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Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV) Series: Part 42 of Once and Future Stats: Published: 2015-02-13 Words: 876 A Thousand Years by spowell Once and Future Series (SPowell) “Why are we so dressed up, Arthur?” Merlin straightens Arthur’s tie. “Why do you think?” Arthur asks, ruffling Merlin’s hair. “It’s Valentine’s Day and we’re going out.” Merlin steps back, running a hand through his hair to fix it. Seeing Merlin looking so dashing in his tux makes Arthur’s hands sweat even more than they already are. “And you’re taking me to a fancy restaurant?” Merlin picks Aithusa off their bed and sets her on the window sill. “I didn’t say that.” “You haven’t said anything at all except ‘Rent a tux.’” Arthur’s nervous. Really, really nervous. He doesn’t want Merlin to see it, though, so he covers it in exasperation and bustles Merlin out of the flat and down the hall to the lift. Merlin normally enjoys surprises, but he won’t leave Arthur alone about this one, which makes everything worse. Arthur wants to be dashing and self-assured—he used to rule a kingdom, after all. But like with so many things in this modern-day world, he’s out of his depth. “Give me a hint, ” Merlin says as they get into their horrid little car that Arthur despises more every day. The first thing Arthur’s going to do once they get the settlement money over Wolff’s attack— after purchasing a house, of course--is to get them another car. A bigger one. “No.” Merlin whines and sinks down into the driver’s seat. “How am I supposed to drive if you won’t tell me where we’re going?” “I’ll give you directions. Now, start the car. We’ll be late.” “For what?” “Nice try, Merlin.” When they pull up in front of one of the most expensive restaurants in London, Merlin turns to Arthur, mouth open. “Arthur, we can’t…” “I’ve been saving up for this, Merlin. Come on…close your mouth and park the car. There’s a space up there.” “Reservations for Emrys-Pendragon, ” Arthur tells the maître d’, and Merlin gives Arthur a questioning look. Before he can say anything, however, they’re led to a private room. “I know this is a really posh place, Arthur, but tuxes?” Merlin says, looking around as they go. Merlin stops short in the doorway when he sees Anthony, Mary, Jake Winters, Ralph and Will— now someone Merlin frequently talks to-- all standing about with big smiles on their faces. Arthur knows Merlin’s even more thrown by the sight of a modern-day Leon. When Arthur met him recently while planning this surprise, he’d been thrown, too. Evidently, Mary had found herself face-to-face with—quite literally-- the man from her dreams at the laundry mat of all places, and they’d been dating ever since. At this moment, Arthur can’t help but feel that those they cared about have come back in this lifetime to witness this most important moment. “Arthur?” Merlin’s blue eyes are wide and round, and Arthur pulls him in close, kissing him, lips brushing over lips, breath mingling. Arthur’s heart feels near bursting. “Remember, you did say you’d marry me, ” he tells Merlin softly. “You can’t back out in front of our friends.” “Marry you-- …Arthur, ” Merlin’s voice is husky, and for one terrible moment, Arthur’s afraid Merlin doesn’t want this. Then Merlin’s hand comes up to touch Arthur’s face and he smiles—the most beatific smile Arthur’s ever seen. “It’s our wedding day.” Arthur nods. “Yes, it is.” And all at once, Arthur’s jitters dissolve. Reverend Parks steps forward and introduces himself to Merlin, Mary comes forward with pink boutonnieres and tucks them into both Merlin and Arthur’s lapels, and Anthony nudges them toward an archway of flowers and hearts. Merlin stares at Arthur throughout the short ceremony, as though his world begins and ends with Arthur’s every breath, and Arthur solemnly says his vows and listens to Merlin say his before Arthur reaches into his pocket and brings out the two platinum bands he’d bought months ago. He recalls his nuptials with Gwen---a very elaborate affair with hundreds of people present—and the wide smile Merlin had given him just after. Now that wide smile is there again, this time accompanied by happy tears. Arthur kisses them all away, and, after the reverend introduces them as Arthur and Merlin Emrys-Pendragon, and Merlin casts Arthur a look of exasperated love, the loud applause of their friends usher them into the first moments of their marriage The lights lower and there’s a dance. Upon the first strains of the song, Merlin’s tears return. He squeezes Arthur in silent acknowledgment, and Arthur finds tears springing to his own eyes. Arthur chose this song for their wedding dance because shortly after Arthur returned, it had come on the radio and made Merlin cry. Merlin told Arthur it made him think of them. The words resonate in Arthur’s heart as well. As he cradles the man he loves more than life in his arms, moving about the dance floor as their friends watch, many memories of their past together flash before Arthur’s eyes, and he feels with great certainty that he and Merlin are going to be fine; they’d get the money from the settlement, they’d buy their house, and they’d live happily ever after. Somehow, some way, they’d be together, forever. ---END--- Arthur's memories... Vid “A Thousand Years” by Miss Millsonxx Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Published: 2015-02-13
Words: 876
Merlin and Arthur Closeup
Closeup portraits, pencil on paper, 2011.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Language: English
Published: 2011-10-04
Words: 0
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 20
Kudos: 209
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 2,637
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon
At Home
Arthur talks to Merlin, and Merlin reacts.
Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur
Additional Tags: post episode 5x13, post canon au
Language: English
Published: 2014-06-13
Words: 1,295
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 18
Kudos: 230
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 4,260
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, OC Ralph Clayworth, OC Dirk Wolff
Into the Blue
Arthur is feverish, Merlin snuggles him. Gwen isn't in it much tbh, and you can read it as Merthur if you so wish.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Sickfic, Hurt/Comfort, Fever, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2017-03-05
Words: 1,046
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 139
Bookmarks: 13
Hits: 2,182
Relationships: Gwen/Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
Need
Arthur needs this. So does Merlin.
Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur
Additional Tags: Established Relationship, post canon au, Sex, Fluff, bottom!Arthur
Language: English
Published: 2014-09-07
Words: 973
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 14
Kudos: 229
Bookmarks: 7
Hits: 5,385
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, Uther
Suspected Jealousy
Arthur can't quite make sense of Merlin's erratic behaviour.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: coda 4.06
Language: English
Published: 2013-11-22
Words: 273
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 86
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 1,442
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
The Water Settles, And Then Trembles
Merlin was a good boy, promise. It's Arthur who thinks he should be doing things that he really doesn't want to do. Like, not spending the entire day at his side, because apparently, pets should be spoiled and pampered and don't need to sit in on boring meetings. Merlin thinks that anything that takes him away from Arthur's side for too long -see, any time at all- is useless and not to be trusted.They're going to have to fix that.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Pet Play, Puppy Play, Animal Play, Alternate Universe - BDSM, dom!Arthur, sub!Merlin, Switch!Morgana, Switch!Gwen, ot4 endgame, Puppy!Merlin, Canon Era, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed, Morgana's magic revealed, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Arthur Finds Out, Arthur Knows About Morgana's Magic, Magic Postivity, seer!morgana, Fix-It
Language: English
Published: 2017-03-18
Words: 3,415
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 18
Kudos: 718
Bookmarks: 36
Hits: 16,292
Categories: F/F, M/M, Multi
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
The Epic Tale of the Journey to Candy Mountain
Merlin and Arthur decide to take a trip to Candy Mountain
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2009-08-11
Words: 6,333
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 18
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 334
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gandalf | Mithrandir, Charlie the Unicorn, Albus Dumbledore
Season Six
(in which Merlin and Arthur do the New York Waltz)
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Crossover, Community: summerpornathon, Dancing, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Team Gluttony
Language: English
Published: 2009-07-26
Words: 738
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 30
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,001
Fandoms: Merlin (BBC), So You Think You Can Dance
Characters: Cat Deeley, Nigel Lithgoe, Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
In Wine There is Truth
After a massive party, Merlin has to get a very drunken Arthur back to his room. Hilarity ensues.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Drunkenness, Fluff, Mentions of homophobia, Hangover
Language: English
Published: 2013-12-20
Words: 906
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 80
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,568
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
I LOVE YOU HEART AND SOUL
Determined to win his husband back, Arthur treats him as he should have all along hoping they can get back together and live out their lives together, will Arthur succeed? Read and find out x
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Romance, Angst with a Happy Ending, Established Relationship
Language: English
Published: 2013-12-10
Words: 1,163
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 54
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 3,379
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Major Character Death
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
To See Is To Believe
Arthur and Merlin have been together for months and while Merlin is always telling Arthur how he feels, Arthur never says it back as he doesn't know he loves Merlin, that is not until a family party opens his eyes
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Christmas Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2013-12-23
Words: 2,181
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 294
Bookmarks: 26
Hits: 6,590
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Dragoon the Great, Dolma (Merlin)
Arthur & Merlin's Journey To Their Happy Ending
Merlin & Arthur's first encounter left a bad impression on Merlin, who was convinced that Arthur was nothing but a prat. When Arthur & Merlin's paths cross again a few years later, Arthur will do anything to change Merlin's opinion of him. But what happens when Merlin is diagnosed with cancer & doesn't tell Arthur, not wanting to be a burden on him? Will they find their way back to each other? It's up to Arthur to set things right.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Cancer, Happy Ending, Hospitals, Angst, Friendship, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Hospitalization, Pining, sick Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2013-12-12
Words: 22,951
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 19
Kudos: 176
Bookmarks: 26
Hits: 6,966
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elena (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Merlin and Arthur
A Poem about Merlin and Arthur
Rating: General Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Team Green, Merthur Party 2013, poem, probably shitty poem
Language: English
Published: 2013-12-27
Words: 183
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 10
Kudos: 94
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 999
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
For You To Keep
Merlin uses his magic to weld a new crown for Arthur to wear on Yule, and Arthur gives Merlin… a scarf?
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Yule, Gift Giving, Roughhousing, Apologies, Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-01
Words: 2,563
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 13
Kudos: 559
Bookmarks: 80
Hits: 5,443
Categories: Gen, M/M
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Speak My Language
Arthur has trouble reconciling the fact that Merlin is both his best friend, and a sorcerer. And maybe something more.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, One-shot, Angst, Fluff and Angst, Post Camlann, Fix-It, kind of?
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-01
Words: 1,093
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 257
Bookmarks: 22
Hits: 3,477
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Mentioned)
Art - Arthur & Merlin's First Kiss
Merlin isn't sure of Arthur's real intentions, but he will find out soon enough. :)
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Camelot Drabble Holiday Exchange Fest, First Kiss, Digital Art, Fluff, Romance, Comic
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-02
Words: 0
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 128
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 2,988
Characters: Arthur Pendragon, Merlin (Merlin)
A New Year's Kiss
Gwaine lets Arthur in on a secret and Arthur finally decides to act.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Don’t copy to another site
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-07
Words: 805
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 70
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,738
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Freya/Merlin (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Warlocks Cheat in Drinking Competitions
Arthur challenges Merlin to a drinking competition and, well, Merlin's a cheater.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: the knights are there too, Drinking Contest, Fluff, Canon Era, merlin is a cheater
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-05
Words: 452
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 117
Bookmarks: 9
Hits: 1,975
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)
A Good Man
(Sorrow)Merlin and Arthur have a moment before the Feast of Samhain. 'Missing scene' from episode 401: "The Darkest Hour". Prequel for the bulk of the 'Virtues, Chicken, and Destiny' series.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Season/Series 04, Angst
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-23
Words: 854
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 24
Kudos: 794
Bookmarks: 52
Hits: 9,875
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Knights (Merlin)
making them be honest the hard way
It started like this.Merlin had no idea how he ended up in Arthur’s bed, wearing Arthur’s clothes and inhabiting Arthur’s body. All he could confirm was that at some point during the night, he had ended up in Arthur’s bed, as Arthur, which meant that…Oh shit.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Bodyswap, Awkwardness, gwen knows, Awesome Gwen (Merlin), gaius accidentally made them switch bodies, possibly permanently unfinished
Language: English
Published: 2017-06-27
Words: 5,179
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 19
Kudos: 213
Bookmarks: 20
Hits: 3,272
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Time Now To Be The Future
In which Merlin and Arthur tackle monsters, Time and mythical beings. Written for the_antichris for Yuletide 2008.
Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Relationship: Arthur/Merlin
Additional Tags: Angst, Time Travel, First Time, Yuletide
Language: English
Published: 2008-12-25
Words: 7,976
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 12
Kudos: 492
Bookmarks: 54
Hits: 6,644
Characters: Arthur Pendragon, Merlin
Merlin and Arthur's High School Reunion
Gwen and Merlin both have people they're hoping to see when they make plans to attend their ten-year high school reunion.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Romance, First Love, School Reunion, Angst
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-24
Words: 5,108
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 287
Bookmarks: 21
Hits: 4,137
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)
What a Mess
Arthur follows the text he got from Merlin asking him to meet at Merlin's room immediately.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Angst, Fluff and Humor, Clothing, Dialogue, Phone Calls & Telephones, Surprises, Crying, Laughter, POV Arthur
Language: English
Published: 2017-07-22
Words: 1,561
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 141
Bookmarks: 11
Hits: 2,042
Categories: F/M, M/M, Multi
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)
If I'm Arthur
They played Merlin and Arthur when they were small, because Merlin was well,actuallynamed Merlin, and if there was a Merlin there should be an Arthur to match.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Growing Up Together, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Non-Magical
Language: English
Published: 2017-07-20
Words: 429
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 166
Bookmarks: 12
Hits: 1,543
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Something About You, Merlin
Arthur figures out what it is about Merlin that he can't quite put his finger on, and how Merlin fits into his destiny.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Episode Tag, The Moment of Truth, 1x10, merlin 1x10, this is my first fic in five years, the last fics i wrote were all doctor who fics, it was a dark time, arthur is perceptive, Pre-Slash, i guess, arthur talks to kilgarrah, not in the fic but in general, Magic Revealed, all characters are only mentioned except arthur, Arthur's POV, arthur's internal monologue basically
Language: English
Published: 2017-07-27
Words: 727
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 154
Bookmarks: 15
Hits: 2,206
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Will (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Merlin, Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon, Will (Merlin)
A Little Gentle Persuasion
Gaius may know that Arthur and Merlin are in love, but they don't seem to. They're going to need a little gentle persuasion...
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Love Potion/Spell, Gaius is a huge Merthur shipper, Merthur - Freeform, perwaine, Fluff and Angst, Corny, Cheesier than Quavers, A Valentine's gift to you all
Language: English
Published: 2014-02-14
Words: 3,753
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 10
Kudos: 346
Bookmarks: 42
Hits: 7,111
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)
Hearts and Secrets
Summary:Arthur is left out of the loop on more than one love secret .-Prompt from dirtydreamer:#28. Arthur comes to know that his friend Merlin is planning to ask someone to be his valentine. He is insanely jealous and teases him mercilessly to cover it up. On top of that, Merlin refuses to tell him who the mystery person is... Bonus points for a cute song being involved!-Written for Merlin Writer's Theme: Valentines
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: F/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Language: English
Published: 2014-02-14
Words: 1,540
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 44
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 963
Relationships: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Morgana (Merlin)
Action figures and beans
"Arthur!" Merlin screamed happily, bright smile still shining on his face. The nurse was right. A very good day indeed.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Other
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Mental Health Issues, Mental Instability, Trauma, Friendship, Hope
Language: English
Published: 2017-08-28
Words: 1,779
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 61
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 717
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin)
The Heart of Camelot
At the end of 'The Death Song of Uther Pendragon' what if Arthur heard the exchange between his father's ghost and Merlin? What would Arthur do?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Magic Revealed, Episode: s05e03 The Death Song of Uther Pendragon
Language: English
Published: 2017-10-06
Words: 1,648
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 78
Kudos: 2,118
Bookmarks: 210
Hits: 15,153
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Misunderstandings and Second Chances
Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
It took just a few seconds for Arthur to misinterpret what he saw. Will that mistake cause him to lose Merlin for good? Notes Thanks to my wonderful sister kaseyboy for being my beta again. You're the best! This is now my second mute Merlin story. I seem to only be able to write stories with him either being deaf or mute. I don't know why. Please forgive any errors I've made about muteness and sign language. I hope you enjoy and comments are greatly appreciated. -- -- Arthur met Merlin through his sister Morgana. Merlin was a graphic designer in the marketing department of Pendragon Industries and Morgana was his boss. He had been working there for nearly a year and everyone, including Uther, was impressed with his work. Arthur was now back in London after having spent the past couple of years traveling for the company. He was VP and would one day run the company once his father, Uther, retired. He hadn't minded the traveling until Morgana married Leon, his best friend, about four months ago. He saw how incredibly happy they were together and it made him want more than the life he was leading, coming back to an empty hotel room every night. Arthur wanted someone to keep him in London. He wanted someone to come home to every night and talk to about his day. He wanted to find love. -------- Arthur went down to the cafeteria to grab a quick sandwich for lunch when he saw his sister with a gorgeous young guy. After he remembered to breath, he paid for his food and walked over to where the two were sitting. Before he had a chance to say anything, Morgana saw him. "Arthur, it's so nice to see you. Sit down." After he did she said, "I'd like to introduce you to Merlin and Merlin, this is my brother Arthur." Both men smiled at each other and Arthur reached out to shake his hand. When their hands touched, Arthur was afraid he'd let out an audible gasp. It was like an electric current went up his arm and settled warmly inside his body. It was right after they touched that Arthur discovered Merlin was mute and communicated with sign language. This really wasn't a problem for Arthur because he already knew sign since his mother had been deaf. The two became fast friends, which was nice, but Arthur wanted more than just a friendship with Merlin. So after about a month, Arthur asked Merlin out on a date which he quickly accepted. -------- Arthur and Merlin had been dating for four months when they confessed their love for each other. It was that same night that they slept together for the first time and it was magical. Merlin wasn't very experienced so Arthur took it nice and slow, being extremely gentle with him. -------- Almost every Thursday night, Arthur and Merlin met up at the pub with their now shared friends Morgana, Leon, Gwen, Lance, Gwaine, Elena and sometimes Percy and Mithian. It was Thursday, a few days after they slept together for the first time, when Arthur texted Merlin during lunch. "Sorry, but I have too much work to get done for this merger, I won't be able to go tonight." "That's okay, we'll go next week," Merlin texted back. "No, just because I have to work doesn't mean you shouldn't go." Merlin replied with, "I don't want to go without you." "You go and have fun. I'll see you tomorrow night at the party." "Ok but I'll miss you." "I'll miss you too. Have fun. Love you," Arthur texted and when he saw Merlin's texted "love you too," he put his phone down to get back to work. -------- Arthur finished work earlier than expected so he headed straight to the pub to surprise Merlin. When he walked in it was more crowded than usual but after looking around for a minute he spotted Merlin. He smiled to himself but before he had a chance to walk over to him, he watched as Merlin reached up and put his hands on some guy's chest as he was pulling Merlin close for a sloppy kiss. Stunned, Arthur's eyes narrowed and he turned and walked out of the pub before Merlin or anyone else saw him. What Arthur missed by leaving so quickly was Merlin's knee going into the guy's groin causing him to let go of him. The bloke that Arthur saw kissing Merlin was Valiant, a guy that also worked at Pendragon Industries but in another department. He was always trying to get Merlin to go out with him but he always refused. Valiant was drunk and still couldn't seem to take no for an answer so he forced himself on Merlin. Gwaine and Percy rushed over and shoved him away from Merlin and out of the club and told Valiant to stay away from him. By the time Arthur got to his flat, he was furious. "How could he do this to me," he kept repeating to himself. He quickly downed several shots before he crawled into bed. He was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted and fell asleep almost instantly. -------- "how was work. did you get everything done?" Merlin texted Arthur late Friday morning. When Arthur saw the text, he just glared at his phone and was tempted to throw it across his office but he restrained himself. Instead, he just ignored it along with the other three messages he'd received from Merlin throughout the day. Merlin wasn't really too concerned that Arthur didn't respond to any of his texts. He knew he had a lot going and was probably just too busy to respond. He knew he'd see him tonight at the party Uther was throwing for his employees as a thank you for their hard work. It was an annual event and no expense was spared. -------- Morgana stopped into Arthur's office in the late afternoon to ask him something about the party but he just brushed her off. "I still have lots of work to do on this merger so if you don't mind, I don't have time to deal with your little party issues." "You don't have to be such an arse," she said back as she left his office and slammed the door shut behind her. He wasn't really busy, he had finished the work last night but he was pissed at her for not bothering to tell him that Merlin was cheating on him. He was her brother, she should have told him. -------- Arthur and Merlin had previously agreed to meet at the banquet hall that Uther always reserved for the occasion because Uther expected him and Morgana to be there well in advance of anyone else. The siblings managed to avoid each other, which really wasn't too difficult considering the fact that Morgana was still angry at Arthur from earlier in the day and Arthur was obviously furious with her. Arthur was already at the bar when Merlin showed up. He didn't see Arthur right away but Arthur saw him and moved over to talk to Cendred, a bloke he'd dated a few years ago. Merlin was soon greeted by Morgana. "Have you seen Arthur?" he signed to her. "No, but I really haven't looked for him. I'm sure he's around here somewhere," she said as they both scanned the crowd. "Oh, there he is, at the bar." As Merlin approached Arthur, he heard him talking to Cendred. "So how's the little boyfriend?" Cendred asked sarcastically. "Who, Merlin?" "Yeah." "That's totally over. I got what I wanted and now I'm done with him," he said loud enough so Merlin could hear. Merlin stopped dead in his tracks. He couldn't believe what Arthur was saying. Arthur turned around and glared at Merlin as he said to Cendred, "why, you interested?" "Hell yeah," and he slid closer to Arthur who pulled him flush against himself and started giving Cendred open mouthed kisses as he looked Merlin directly in the eyes. Merlin was frozen to the spot as the tears started to pool in his eyes. He needed to get out of there now. He turned and rushed to the loo since it was closer than the exit. He went into a stall so he could try to gather his composure before anyone saw him. Unfortunately, he was spotted by Valiant who quickly followed him into the loo. Arthur watched Valiant follow Merlin, which pissed him off even more. Obviously Merlin's "other boyfriend" was going in to comfort him. He pushed Cendred away and left without saying anything to anyone. Merlin didn't hear Valiant enter because he was trying to get his breathing under control and fighting to stop the tears. As he opened the stall door, Valiant pushed his way into the stall with Merlin. "So Merlin, we meet again," he sneered. He was still furious about the night before when Merlin kneed him in the groin. Merlin was in a panic. He had to get out of the stall and away but before he could even start to fight back, Valiant punched him in the face. This was quickly followed by more blows to the face and several to the ribs before he managed to turn Merlin around and shove him against the side of the stall face first. Before he could go any farther, Gwaine walked in. Gwaine didn't know who was in the stall but he saw blood on the floor and heard struggling so he kicked the door in which knocked Valiant off Merlin. Merlin fell to the floor now that there was nothing holding him up. Gwaine pulled Valiant out of the stall and yelled for help. Thankfully, Percy was heading to the loo and rushed in. As he saw Gwaine fighting Valiant, he grabbed him from behind and yanked Valiant's arm high up behind his back as he put his other arm around his neck before he saw Merlin laying on the floor of the stall. Gwaine rushed over to him and fell to his knees. "Merlin, Merlin, are you okay?! Merlin! Wake up!" He was panicked so Percy kept his hold on Valiant as he shoved him out the door so he could yell for more help. Two security guards came and took Valiant from Percy and called the cops. By this time, all Merlin's friends had filled the loo and everyone in the banquet hall knew something terrible had happened. Merlin finally woke up much to his friend's great relief and Gwaine and Leon were able to get him up. "We need to get him to the hospital," Leon said. "Where's Arthur?" Morgana asked but no one was able to answer because no one knew where he'd disappeared to. She rushed out ahead of them to get to her car. Leon and Gwaine led Merlin outside and to Morgana's car, which she had at the curb waiting for them. She was on the phone leaving Arthur a message as Gwaine and Leon slowly climbed in the back with Merlin. Everyone inside the hall was shocked and sickened after not only knowing it was Merlin that had been attacked but seeing his bruised and bloody body being helped out by his friends. -------- Morgana and everyone else tried to get in touch with Arthur once they were at the hospital but their calls just kept going straight to voice mail. They were all unaware of the fact that Arthur left the party to go home where he proceeded to get drunk. After the first call he got from Morgana, Arthur turned off his phone without even listening to it. Morgana left him a second message telling him to "call as soon as you get this. Merlin has been hurt. We're at the hospital." From Leon: "Hey man, I don't know what you're doing but call Morgana or me when you get this message." From Gwaine: "Listen you arse, Merlin's hurt and needs you. Where the fuck are you?!" From Morgana: "Arthur why the fuck aren't you answering your phone! Call me back!" The friends also tried texting Arthur. Morgana: Call me now!!!!!! Gwaine: where the fuck r u !! Leon: Arthur we took Merlin to A&E. Come as soon as you can Morgana: get your fucking ass over here. Merlin needs you Gwaine: FUCK YOU PENDRAGON -------- Merlin was admitted to the hospital and taken to surgery to repair the broken jaw he suffered. He also had a concussion caused by Valiant slamming his head against the wall of the stall and several cracked ribs. As soon as he was out of surgery and moved to a private room, thanks to Morgana, Leon went to Arthur's flat since no one had heard from him yet. -------- Arthur woke up to pounding on his door at six in the morning. He could hear Leon yelling something but he put his pillow over his head and fell back to sleep because his head was pounding. When Leon told Morgana that Arthur never answered his door, they both were worried that something had happened to him. -------- Around ten in the morning, Arthur once again heard someone banging on his door. He then heard Morgana's voice yelling at him to open the door. He managed to get out of bed long enough to yell at her to "fuck off" before he crawled back in bed. He was quite sure she was there to bitch at him for making Merlin cry and he didn't want to hear it from his traitor sister. She was furious with him but relieved to know that he was at least okay. She'd deal with him later but right now she needed to be with Merlin. No one else knocked on Arthur's door for the rest of the weekend. Saturday night, when he finally turned his phone back on, the first text he saw was from Gwaine, "FUCK YOU PENDRAGON" so he deleted it plus the rest of his texts and voice mails without reading or listening to them. How dare Merlin involve their friends and have them harass him. -------- Monday morning when Arthur showed up at work he got a few surprised looks from people but no one approached him. He was still angry with Merlin and his friends and apparently the scowl he wore on his face made everyone avoid him. He spent the morning locked in his office. When he left to go to lunch he was stopped by several people asking him how Merlin was doing. Arthur and Merlin hadn't flaunted their relationship but he knew people were aware of it. He was annoyed that everyone seemed so concerned about Merlin just because of what Arthur had done Friday night. They obviously didn't know what their beloved Merlin had done to him the night before so his response was either, "how should I know," or "I don't really care." Each of which brought looks of shock or anger or disgust. When he returned from lunch, he got more of the same questions so he stormed straight to Morgana's office. When he got there, her PA told him she took the day off and then told him she was surprised he was there. "And why wouldn't I be here today," he demanded. "I just figured, with everything that happened, you'd be at the hospital," the PA said. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Why would I be at the hospital?" "Well, I thought since Merlin was there, you'd..." but she stopped herself before she said anymore fearing it could end up getting her fired. Arthur stormed back to his office where he slammed his door shut before he called Morgana. After six rings, she finally answered. "Where are you and what the hell is going on?!" "Oh Arthur, so nice of you to finally call," she said with such fake sweetness it just angered him more. "What the hell is going on?!" "Oh, so you want to act like you're interested now?" "Morgana, tell me what's going on," he growled. "Well, let's see. Merlin got through surgery and they should be releasing him soon." "What the fuck are you talking about? Why did he have surgery? Where are you?" "Sorry, but I can't talk anymore. The doctor's coming." She hung up leaving him worried and confused and feeling sick. He still had no idea what was going on so he called Leon. "Leon, please tell me what's going on," he rushed out almost in a panic. "Well hello to you too Arthur," Leon snapped because he was angry at Arthur's lack of concern for Merlin. Arthur knew it must be something bad if Leon was talking to him like that. "Leon, please, I just want to know what's going on," he pleaded. "Friday night Merlin was attacked by Valiant in the loo. He really did a number on him. He broke his jaw, cracked several ribs and gave him a concussion," he told him sadly. "No," Arthur whispered. "They had to do surgery on his jaw that night but Morgana told me a short time ago that they were going to release him from the hospital today, which is good. He looks like shit though. When I saw him last night, the swelling in his left eye still hadn't gone down much. His lip is still swollen and he's probably going to have a scar or two from where Valiant's ring sliced into him. He's really sore and having trouble moving because of his ribs but other than that, he's fine," he finished sarcastically. Arthur collapsed in his chair trying to just breath. 'This can't be happening,' he said to himself. Finally, he gathered his composure enough to ask Leon what hospital he was in before he rushed out of his office. By the time he got to the hospital, Merlin had already been released. He assumed Morgana probably took Merlin back to his own flat, not really thinking, so he rushed there. After spending several minutes banging on Merlin's door, he realized Morgana must have taken him somewhere else so he called her. "Morgana, where is he?" he demanded. "No, I'm not telling you. The last thing he needs right now is to get upset so just stay away from him. I think you've done more than enough damage as it is," she said before she hung up. Arthur sat in his car and put his head on the steering wheel and cried. Merlin was hurt and even though he was cheating on him, he still needed to see him so he went to Morgana's. She wasn't there so he just sat outside her door to wait until she returned. It was around five when she finally showed up looking tired. "What are you doing here?" she asked him as she unlocked her door and went inside. "I need to see him, please," Arthur said as he followed her in. "No, I don't think you do. I believe you hurt him enough already by making out with Cendred right in front of him." "I was only doing that to get even with him." "Get even with him for what?!" "For cheating on me and don't even try to act like you don't know what I'm talking about." "I have no fucking idea what you're talking about?!" she yelled as Leon walked into the flat. "I saw him all over some guy at the pub!" Arthur shouted. "What are you talking about?!" she yelled again. "Oh come on Morgana, I saw him!" "When!" "Thursday night, as soon as I finished with work, I went to the pub and saw him and some guy all over each other. It was really nice of you and Leon to not tell me my boyfriend was cheating on me!" "Oh my god, are you kidding me?!'' She knew instantly what he was talking about. "Did you also happen to see Merlin knee him in the groin to make him let him go?! Oh, and, by the way, that was Valiant, the same guy that beat him up Friday." "What?" "He wanted to get revenge on Merlin for what he did to him on Thursday night." "But...no! I saw him follow Merlin into the loo on Friday. I just thought he was going in there to...No! Oh my god! I watched him go in there so he could hurt Merlin and I just let him." He fell to the floor and sobbed knowing he could have prevented the whole thing. Morgana kneeled down beside him and put her arms around him. "Arthur, you were an idiot but you had no idea Valiant was going to hurt Merlin. You can't blame yourself for that." When Arthur got himself under control, the brother and sister stood up and sat on the sofa. A minute later Leon came in with three cups of tea. They all sat there in silence until Arthur finally asked, "where is he?" "Listen, if I tell you, you have to promise you won't go see him, at least not right now." "No, I have to see him. I have to make sure he's okay for myself. I have to tell him how sorry I am. Please Morgana." Morgana looked over at Leon and he gave her a small nod. "Okay, but listen, I'm going to go with you and if Merlin doesn't want to see you then you have to promise you'll leave." "I promise." -------- Morgana drove Arthur to Gwen and Lance's flat. 'Of course,' he thought to himself. He should have known that was where Merlin would be. Before Morgana left, she had whispered to Leon to call Gwen to warn them that they were coming over. She wanted Gwen to be able to talk to Merlin and check if he wanted to see Arthur or not. As soon as Gwen answered the door, she told them Merlin was sleeping, which he was because of the pain medication he was on. "Can I go and see him? I promise I won't wake him," Arthur asked quietly. "Go on, he's in the guest room," Gwen told him. -------- Arthur slowly pushed the guest room door open. The room was fairly dark because the blinds were closed but even in the dim light, he could see Merlin's battered face and it knocked the breath right out of him. It took a minute before he was able to walk into the room. The light from the hall landed on Merlin's face which made it possible for him to see the bruises, cuts and swelling more clearly and it made him nauseous. He just looked down at Merlin's abused face while tears streamed down his cheeks. Finally, he kneeled by the side of the bed and reached out to hold Merlin's hand. With his other hand he very gently moved Merlin's hair off his forehead and leaned up and kissed it tenderly. That kiss was followed by many more gentle kisses to all the injuries on his face. "I'm so sorry Merlin. I'm so so sorry. I love you so much. I just hope you'll be able to forgive me some day." He then rested his head on the side of the bed never releasing Merlin's hand and cried. Arthur didn't know that Gwen and Morgana were outside the room and witnessed the tenderness he displayed towards Merlin. They finally walked away to give him some privacy. Merlin never woke up while Arthur was sitting with him which he was both grateful for and sad about. He wanted to tell him how sorry he was and how much he loved him but he was afraid of the reaction Merlin would have from seeing him. After a few hours he got up and left the room asking Gwen if he could come back and see him in the morning. "I don't think that's a very good idea. Just give me time to talk to him first," Gwen told him. "Okay, but can I call you in the morning to check on him?" "Of course." Morgana had already left so he went outside and walked around for a while before he called a cab to take him home. -------- Arthur didn't get to see Merlin at all that whole week. Gwen tried to spare his feelings by telling him that Merlin didn't want to see anyone. Arthur knew it was just him that Merlin didn't want to see because Morgana was keeping him updated on his progress. She told him he was still in a lot of pain and was getting antsy and wanted to go back to his own flat and back to work but the doctors wanted him to take another week off. Actually, Morgana was keeping everyone updated by sending the staff daily emails regarding Merlin. She said it was much easier doing it that way because she was repeatedly being stopped throughout the day by coworkers wanting to know how Merlin was. After Monday, no one had wasted their time asking Arthur how Merlin was. He assumed word of his initial replies to those inquiries on Monday had spread and now they all probably thought he was a heartless bastard. -------- The second week was much the same as the first. Gwen would come up with some excuse or another as to why he couldn't see Merlin. Arthur sent him a text each day but never got a reply back. He also sent flowers and even talked to a doctor to see what kinds of foods Merlin could eat and then had that delivered to him. -------- Merlin finally returned to work the following Monday. Arthur wanted to go see him but it was like a zoo around him most of the day with coworkers coming to see him to tell him how glad they were that he was back and how much they missed him. Arthur stayed in the background and watched as people would smile as soon as they spotted him, which made Arthur's heart warm knowing so many people cared about and adored Merlin. When he finally got a clear view of him, Arthur saw that the swelling and bruising was almost totally gone. He still had a bandage covering up the stitches he had on his chin and cheek and was moving slowly but he looked happy to be back. Tuesday, Arthur went down to Merlin's department just before lunch hoping to catch him alone. When Merlin spotted him, he quickly put his head down and acted busy. It was clear that this wasn't going to be easy. "Hey, how're you feeling?" Arthur asked him. "Better," Merlin signed back without making any eye contact with him. "I'm glad. Um, do you think we could go somewhere and talk?" Arthur asked hesitantly. Merlin shook his head no then signed, "I've got a lot of work to get caught up on." "Oh, okay. I guess I'll let you get back to it then." As he turned to walk away, he added, "I'm really glad you're back," and then left. Once Arthur was back in his own office, he shut the door, sat down and put his head in his hands. He felt like crying knowing Merlin didn't want anything to do with him. After Arthur left him, Merlin slowly made his way to the loo so he could try to regain his composure. It was so hard seeing Arthur and he hadn't been ready for it. Arthur continued to make attempts to talk to Merlin but he wasn't successful. -------- Three months had passed since Arthur broke Merlin's heart and he was desperate to talk to him so he went to Morgana to ask if he could join them for their weekly pub night. She didn't give him an answer right away because she wanted to check with Merlin to see if he was alright with the idea. After she'd talked to Merlin, she told Arthur it'd be okay if he came. ------- Over the next several weeks, Arthur slowly started trying to engage Merlin in conversations. They started off with small talk and one word answers but at least it was a start and Arthur could feel the ice beginning to melt just the tiniest bit between them. On one of their weekly trips to the pub, Arthur watched as a bloke came over to Merlin and tried to talk to him but Merlin just shook his head and tried to walk away. The guy then grabbed Merlin by the shoulder and swung him around roughly but before it went any farther than that, Arthur was there between the two of them shoving the man away from Merlin. After they exchanged a few words, the man left and Arthur turned around to face Merlin. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" Arthur asked. Merlin shook his head no but looked a little shaken so Arthur put his arm on the small of Merlin's back and led him back over to their table. When Merlin sat down, Arthur took the seat beside him. They were both quieter than normal after that but if their friends noticed, no one mentioned it. When Merlin was getting ready to leave for the night, he gave Arthur a sad smile and signed thanks. Arthur wasn't about to let him walk out of the pub alone because he didn't know where the guy from earlier was and he wasn't willing to risk Merlin's safety. As Merlin was standing, he noticed Arthur stand also. When he looked at Arthur giving him a questioning look, Arthur just grinned and shrugged his shoulders and walked out with Merlin and led him over to a taxi to ensure he made it home safely. Merlin gave him a small wave which he returned before heading back inside the pub to rejoin their friends. Merlin had a hard time falling asleep that night. He kept replaying the events of the night over and over in his head. He could almost still feel the warmth of Arthur's hand on his back. He was so confused. He thought he was getting over Arthur but now he was doubting that. Maybe he had just been fooling himself all this time thinking he was getting over him. -------- Merlin missed their next couple weeks of pub nights. He told Morgana it was because he had a lot of things he needed to get caught up on but Arthur secretly thought it had more to do with what happened with their last encounter. Arthur had stayed away from Merlin at work per Morgana's request but he had at least that one night a week where he could see and try to talk to Merlin but with his absence, Arthur was going crazy. He missed Merlin so much. -------- Gwen was having a party to celebrate Lance's birthday. It was a large gathering outside their building in the patio area with lots of people Arthur didn't know. Arthur spotted Merlin off to the side signing with Owen, a guy from work. Arthur was concerned that maybe he and Merlin had gotten together so he sought Gwen out. Before he could find her, a blonde bloke approached him and put his arm over his shoulder before whispering in his ear asking him to dance. Arthur removed the guy's arm as he shook his head and continued his search for Gwen. Unbeknownst to him, Merlin had been watching the encounter and grinned to himself when he saw Arthur walk away from he guy. When Arthur finally located Gwen, she explained that, no, Merlin and Owen weren't together, just friends. Arthur let out a deep sigh of relief. Gwen gave him a small smile and patted him on the arm before she returned to her other guests. She and the rest of their friends had finally forgiven him for hurting Merlin. When Arthur next saw Merlin, he was standing off to the side watching people dancing to a slow song with such a sadness and longing in his eyes that it broke Arthur's heart. He walked up to Merlin and asked, "will you dance with me?" Merlin looked at him with sad eyes and shook his head no before he looked down to the floor. Arthur wasn't about to give up so easily. He hesitantly reached out and lifted Merlin's chin to get him to look at him. "Please," he mouthed as he was giving Merlin puppy dog eyes. Merlin hesitated and Arthur took advantage of his indecision and again asked, "pretty please?" This drew a grin out of Merlin. Arthur slowly reached out and took his hand as he looked at him more serious this time. "Please," he said again looking so hopeful, Merlin finally relented and allowed Arthur to lead him over, but off to the side, of where everyone was dancing. When Arthur pulled Merlin into him, like he had done so many times before, it felt right. Oh how he had longed to have this back. He held on to Merlin like his life depended on it. Before he even realized it, he had tears running down his cheeks and soaking into Merlin's shoulder. Merlin pulled back a little and looked at Arthur's face. He slowly lifted his hands and gently wiped the tears off his cheeks with his fingers and gave him another sad smile. Arthur pulled him close again not wanting to give up the closeness. He was relieved Merlin let him. Before either of them had even realized it, twenty minutes had passed and the people that were still dancing were now jumping around to the song now playing while they were still clinging to each other just swaying in each other's arms. Finally, Merlin started to pull away a little which brought Arthur back to reality. He looked at Merlin and gave him a sheepish grin before he released his hold on Merlin and then led him away from the dance floor keeping his hand on Merlin's back. When they reached the other side of the patio area, Arthur asked him if he'd like a beer and when Merlin nodded yes, he left to fetch them both one before returning to Merlin. Arthur knew their friends were secretly watching them but was thankful no one came over to interfere. Arthur handed Merlin his beer before he asked, "can we please talk? There's so much I need to say to you." Merlin looked at him nervously. He didn't know if he was ready to be alone with Arthur and listen to what he had to say yet. But Arthur's next "please" broke any remaining resistance he had. Arthur led him up to Gwen and Lance's flat. He didn't want any interruptions so he took him to their guest room so they'd have privacy if someone else came into the flat. When they reached the spare room, Arthur led Merlin over to the bed to sit and put both their beers on the dresser. He then kneeled down in front of Merlin so he could see him clearly. "I am so so sorry I hurt you. There is absolutely no excuse for what I did. There is no way you could hate me more than I hate myself. I love you so much. I know I have no right to ask this of you, but can you ever forgive me?" Merlin looked at him for a minute before he signed, "I can forgive you in time but I don't know if I'll be able to forget what I heard you say and what I saw you do." He now had tears running down his face. "I thought you loved me but then you said and did those things." Arthur tried to respond but Merlin waved him off and continued. "I always thought you were out of my league and I couldn't believe you would ever be interested in me, but then, the longer we were together, I started to believe it was real and that maybe you did love me. Then when I heard you say you got what you wanted and was done with me, I felt so stupid and humiliated." He had to stop to wipe his eyes of their tears. "You used me and made me feel dirty and worthless. I loved you more than anything and then you did that to me. You got what you wanted and then just threw me away like a piece of trash." Arthur couldn't take it anymore. He reached up and held Merlin's hands to still them before he spoke. "Oh my god Merlin, please, I love you so much. I swear I wasn't using you. Please, you have to believe me. You mean more to me than life itself. I am so so sorry. I would do anything to be able to turn back time and erase what I did." "Why did you do it then?" he signed. Morgana had already told him how Arthur had misinterpreted what he'd seen that Thursday night with Valiant in the pub but all Morgana knew was that Arthur had kissed Cendred right in front of Merlin. She only knew that much because other people had witnessed it and told her about it. She didn't know anything about what Arthur said to him because Merlin had never told her or anyone else because he was too embarrassed and humiliated. "That night, I went to find you at the pub because I finished work early. When I walked in, I thought you were kissing Valiant..." 'But I wasn't. I would never do that to you." "I know that but, at that moment, I just was so angry and jealous, I lost it. I wanted to hurt you the same way I was hurting." Arthur looked down at the floor for a minute before looking back up at Merlin. "I'm so sorry. You are the most important thing in the world to me. I'm willing to do anything to get you back. I love you so much." He was crying by this time and leaned over to rest his head against Merlin's knee. Finally, he felt fingers running through his hair and after a minute of savoring the feel of it, he hesitantly pulled back and looked up at Merlin who signed, "I don't know if I can trust you again. You broke my heart. How do I know you won't do it again?" "I swear to you I will never hurt you again. I would rather die than cause you any more pain. Please believe me." When Merlin made no response, Arthur continued, "I love you Merlin and I will do anything it takes to get you to trust me again and to prove to you that I do love you." Merlin still didn't respond. He just stared at Arthur fighting an internal battle with himself. Part of him really wanted to believe Arthur but the other part just kept replaying the words Arthur had spoken to him that night. "Can we try again? Please?" Arthur signed. Merlin looked at him and saw the sincerity in his eyes and signed, "maybe we can try being friends." It wasn't what Arthur was hoping for but it was so much better than it could have been so he counted it as a small victory. He stood up and then pulled Merlin up and into his arms. He knew he might be pushing it but he just had to feel him in his arms again. Merlin didn't seem to mind the closeness either because he relaxed into the hug. ------ A few months after Lance's birthday party, Merlin and Arthur were friends again. Arthur wanted more but Merlin just couldn't get over his trust issues with Arthur so whenever Arthur broached the subject of them going on a date, Merlin declined. Arthur was determined not to lose hope, after all, he was the cause of this. He patiently waited for the day Merlin would be able to look at him and not see him as the man that had broken his heart, but instead, as the man who was willing to wait for him no matter how long it took. Over the following months, he sat back and waited. He knew Merlin was his soul mate and even though it killed him not to be able to hold or kiss him, he held onto the belief and hope that one day soon, Merlin would realize that too. It took nearly six months for Merlin to finally see that man. Arthur hadn't pushed but he had been there making Merlin laugh, buying him coffee and then surprising him by delivering it to his desk, showing up at his flat with take-out when he knew Merlin had had a bad day and he'd most likely forget to eat, offering him support and a shoulder to cry on when his Mum was very ill and in the hospital. He was also there when Merlin went to the store to buy a new suit for Gwen and Lance's wedding. He helped pick out a shirt that showed off his beautiful eyes. When Merlin came out of the dressing room, Arthur was standing there with a tie for him to try on but, instead of handing it to Merlin to put on himself, he stepped close to Merlin, flipped his collar up, reached around him to grab the other end of the tie before he carefully tied it just right. When he reached up to flip the collar back down, he didn't remove his hands. He looked deep into Merlin's eyes and moved his hands just enough so he could gently stroke Merlin's cheekbones. When Merlin took a startled gasp but didn't pull away, Arthur leaned in and pressed his lips to Merlin's. He pulled back a few inches but when Merlin made no attempt to retreat, he cupped his face in his hands and kissed him like it was the only thing that would keep him alive. He didn't realize until they broke apart that they both had tears streaming down their faces. He gave Merlin a warm smile as he carefully wipes the tears from his face and then pulled him in for another kiss that ended with them just holding each other in the middle of the dressing area. When they parted, they looked at each other and they had matching grins on their faces. Arthur smoothed down Merlin's shirt before he stepped back and looked him up and down, "you look absolutely gorgeous. Merlin, will you be my date for the wedding?" Merlin smiled even brighter and nodded yes. Arthur pulled him in for another hug and ended with a quick kiss before Merlin turned and retreated back into the dressing rooms. Arthur felt like he was floating on air. He wanted to shout at the top of his lungs and throw his arms in the air proclaiming victory. He had just won the best prize in the world, Merlin. As soon as Merlin emerged with his clothes, Arthur took them up to the counter and told the shop assistant they'd be back later in the week to pick everything up after the alterations were complete. He then lead Merlin outside where he couldn't help himself. There, in the middle of the street, he pulled him in for another kiss and hug. Once they'd broken apart, Arthur whispered, "I love you so much." He would've loved more than anything to drop down on one knee and propose to Merlin right then and there but he knew it was too soon. He did know that it would happen this time though. He was never letting go of Merlin again. In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Merlin and Arthur started going on real dates. Arthur would pick him up and take him to dinner. Merlin was still a little apprehensive so Arthur was more than willing to take it slow for Merlin. They decided not to tell their friends just yet. They wanted to wait until after the wedding because they didn't want to take any attention away from Gwen and Lance as their big day approached. Arthur and Merlin sat beside each other during the wedding ceremony. Arthur reached over ever so slyly to hold Merlin's hand. At the reception, they danced together a few times but not enough to make anyone suspicious. The week after the newlyweds returned from their honeymoon, Arthur and Merlin showed up to the weekly pub night hand in hand with matching smiles on their faces. Their friends looked at them and broke into cheers before pulling them into hugs. -------- Six months later, Arthur was once again outside a dressing room standing in front of Merlin, tying a bow tie for him this time. He gave him a passionate kiss and then smoothed down Merlin's shirt before he stepped back and looked him up and down. "You look absolutely gorgeous," he told him. This time, Merlin was standing in front of him in the tuxedo he'd be wearing in less than a month to their own wedding. Arthur had never been happier. Merlin accepted his proposal after they were dating for less than five months and here they were, less than a month away from their wedding day. It had been a long bumpy road that Arthur had to travel down to regain Merlin's trust but he'd finally made it to the end. Arthur knew what it was like to lose his precious Merlin, now that he had him once again, he was going to cherish and love him for the rest of his life. -------- Six years, one flat and one house later, Arthur and Merlin were in the park. Merlin was running around playing with their three-year-old daughter Freya and her new puppy. Arthur watched them from the picnic blanket they'd spread out under a tree and realized he was the luckiest man alive. Every morning, when he woke with Merlin in his arms, he couldn't help but think that he almost lost this forever and he'd hold onto him a little bit longer and a little bit tighter. Then he'd think about his daughter and what he would've missed out on without Merlin's forgiveness so he'd hold on just a little bit longer and a little bit tighter still. The end. Thanks for reading. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Valiant (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Romance, Disability, Muteness, Mute Merlin, Minor Violence, Hurt Merlin, Hospitalization, Light Angst, Getting Back Together, Happy Ending
Published: 2014-02-25
Words: 7643
Arthur and Merlin get caught in a snowstorm
Arthur builds them a cozy little nest, and Merlin makes a fire.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Additional Tags: Remix, camelotremix
Language: English
Published: 2010-10-09
Words: 1,892
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 103
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 2,171
Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon
we're like two halves of one heart
we are, we are, we are.-arthur doesn’t know how to dance. merlin teaches him, and some poetry and awestruck arthur later, they realise the true depth of their feelings.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Dancing, Canon Era, besotted Arthur, Idiots in Love, Love Confessions, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, bc i'm fucking tired of angsty magic reveals, POV Arthur, Based on a Troye Sivan Song, Kinda, Waltzing, mlm author
Language: English
Published: 2017-10-28
Words: 2,206
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 34
Kudos: 665
Bookmarks: 87
Hits: 4,589
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mentions of: - Character, Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Total Knockout
Or "Why Arthur Should Stop Getting Knocked Unconscious at Strategic Moments Throughout the Show so that Merlin Can Do Magic Without Getting Caught." It's Arthur's coronation day, but the new king isn't quite… himself this morning.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Crack, Humor, Satire, Friendship, Magic Revealed
Language: English
Published: 2011-04-11
Words: 3,511
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 178
Bookmarks: 21
Hits: 1,942
Categories: Gen, F/M
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
i’ll carry your heart with me
Merlin Emrys wasn’t sure what to make of Arthur Pendragon most days. He certainly wasn’t expecting to become best friends with Arthur all those days back in primary, and he definitely wasn’t ready to develop an all-encompassing crush on him.Now if only Merlin could do something about people constantly mistaking the two of them for a couple...(Or, five times people thought Merlin and Arthur were together and one time they actually were. A glimpse into the lives of Merlin and Arthur over the years.)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Growing Up Together, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Fluff, Slice of Life, 5+1 Things
Language: English
Published: 2017-12-29
Words: 10,002
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 42
Kudos: 974
Bookmarks: 129
Hits: 8,830
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elena (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Sophia (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)
Mistletoe Menace
Merlin kisses Arthur under the mistletoe at a Christmas party, and Arthur finds himself hoping it means something more than it probably does because what else does one do when they're pathetically in love with their best friend?Or in which two idiots in love dance around their feelings and keep 'accidentally' ending up under mistletoe.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Christmas Fluff, Mistletoe, Kissing, Love Confessions, Friends to Lovers, a little bit of jealousy
Language: English
Published: 2017-12-25
Words: 7,043
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 15
Kudos: 315
Bookmarks: 45
Hits: 2,815
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)
Interruptions
No matter how hard they try, Merlin and Arthur just can't get time alone.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2014-03-12
Words: 1,849
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 232
Bookmarks: 17
Hits: 2,698
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin)
ticklish
Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
merlin is mad at arthur. arthur knows merlin is ticklish. cute and fluffy. Merthur one-shot really short “Ugh. Merlin c’mon, stop pouting it was just a movie” Arthur said to his best friend. “No, I have a right to ‘pout’ seeing as you went to see the new avengers movie without me” the raven-haired teen said to his best friend. “Come on please, I hate it when you sulk and not talk to me, I apologized like fifty times and I even bought more tickets for tonight at seven” Arthur whined, he stuck out his bottom lip. He sounded like a puppy. Merlin’s knees threatened to buckle. “Arthur stop, that’s not gonna work tonight” Melin demanded. The raven-haired teen moved to the couch. “Did you actually get more tickets?” Arthur nodded, “I did” “You didn’t have to do that, spend your money on me I mean” Merlin said. Arthur shook his head this time “I didn’t, I used your card” “ I never should’ve given you my code” Merlin growled. “Are you still mad” the blond asked. “Yes!” merlin said exasperated, he crossed his arms across his chest. It was Arthur’s turn to adopt a moue look. “Sorry” Arthur was beginning to worry, Merlin never stayed mad at him this long. Then he remembered. Arthur grinned mischievously at Merlin. “What, what’s that face for…” Merlin’s eyes widened “no.. don’t you dare!” Arthur launched himself across the couch and onto Merlin. The blonds hands quickly found Merlin’s curved sides and he wiggled his fingers brushing the ticklish skin. Merlin pursed his lips determined to keep his laughter in. When Arthur didn’t get much of a reaction he moved his hands to his best friends underarms then back to his sides quickly. Merlin couldn’t help it if he held in his laughter any longer he was sure he’d combust. He opened his mouth and his melodic laugh filled the room. Arthur also began to laugh his atrociously adorable laugh. As he tried to keep it down his laugh turned to giggles while Merlin laughed hysterically. “Arthur… pl-please, please s-stop” Merlin giggled out. “What?” “I’m… sorry-i’m not … mad I..I promise” Merlin gasped. “Are you sure” “Y-yes” “Okay” Arthur dropped his hands. The two teens were lying one on top of the other, sweaty and messy on the couch. As Arthur’s breath came out in puffs blowing Merlin’s ‘too lazy to cut’ long bangs out of the way they stared into one another's eyes. Blue meeting a lighter blue. At that moment Arthur realised how much he had been aching to to taste those luscious tempting lips for forever. The blond leaned down and Merlin’s eyes widened. The space between them decreased at an annoyingly slow pace. After what seemed like forever Merlin moved up and pressed his lips to the blond. He felt Arthur’s lips part as he gasped merlin took advantage and slid his tongue in. After what seemed like forever Merlin moaned and they broke apart. “We should probably get going so we don’t miss the movie” “Yah, okay” they got off the couch and straightened their clothes as best as they could. As they exited Merlin’s house Arthur followed him to the passenger’s seat and opened the door. Merlin got in and before he shut the door Arthur leaned down and gave merlin a quick peck on the lips, Merlin sighed. Arthur never opened the doors for merlin like he had just did but Merlin didn’t care cause it felt good. It felt right Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merthur
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff
Published: 2017-12-22
Words: 567
A Different Kind of Warmth
On a cold winter's night shortly following the return of magic to Camelot, Arthur and Merlin try to get used to a lot of things.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Winter, Magic, Post-Magic Reveal, Established Relationship, Snow, Kissing, Banter, Angst with a Happy Ending, Court Sorcerer Merlin, Canon Era, Fluff and Angst, Romance
Language: English
Published: 2018-01-08
Words: 1,680
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 38
Kudos: 621
Bookmarks: 62
Hits: 5,575
Categories: F/F, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)
Rock Bottom
We're on the right side of rock bottomAnd to you I just keep crawlingYou're the best kind of bad something'Cause we keep on coming back for more...The best expression that could summarize Merlin and Arthur’s relationship would probably be ‘rock bottom’.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Drabble, camelot-drabble, prompt: argument, Children, Fluff, idk - Freeform, Merthur - Freeform, AU, Modern AU, Stuff
Language: English
Published: 2017-06-29
Words: 1,230
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 28
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 577
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin)
Your Wish is My Command
Merlin unconsciously makes Arthur do things with his magic. Mind control. "All Merlin knows now is that he looked at Arthur and wished really really hard that he could command Arthur like Arthur commanded him..." MerlinxArthur SLASH. Dub-con.
Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Drama, Horror, Mind Control, Mindfuck, Dubious Consent, Kink Meme, Community: kinkme_merlin
Language: English
Published: 2009-06-02
Words: 4,035
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 126
Bookmarks: 18
Hits: 4,387
Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Gaius (Merlin), Uther Pendragon
Bumps and Bruises
Arthur notices Merlin’s constant injuries, and decides he needs to step in and protect Merlin.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Implied/Suspected Abuse, Canon-Typical Violence, Protective Arthur, Magic Revealed, Pre-Relationship
Language: English
Published: 2018-01-01
Words: 1,696
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 197
Kudos: 16,222
Bookmarks: 2,005
Hits: 107,087
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Indecendy
Arthur receive a phone call from Merlin and goes help him.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Percival (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2017-12-31
Words: 719
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 86
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 1,258
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)
Let Go
Throughout their entire lives, Merlin and Arthur have a hard time letting go of each other.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Character death at the very end, Modern AU, Fluff and Angst, mentions of Gwen/Lancelot
Language: English
Published: 2014-03-17
Words: 2,996
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 69
Bookmarks: 7
Hits: 1,473
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Major Character Death
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur, Gwen/Lancelot, Merlin/Mordred, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Freya, Gwen (Merlin)
Old Fashioned Romance
Modern Merlin and Arthur story. Arthur wonders what happened to old fashioned romance. But perhaps it's over-rated, after all.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Kissing, Alternate Universe - Party, Drunk!Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2014-03-20
Words: 1,336
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 132
Bookmarks: 12
Hits: 1,893
Relationships: Merthur, Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Bear With Me
As they made their way out of Gaius’ chambers, Merlin hit his leg on the table, the sound of the table leg scraping across the ground ringing out loud in the silence of the room. Arthur jumped, eyes wide, and Merlin grinned sheepishly. “Ah, sorry.”“Be quiet, idiot,” Arthur snapped, and Merlin’s grin dropped.***Merlin's woken in the middle of the night by Arthur, who is acting suspiciously and will give no indication of what's happening.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Angst, Magic Revealed, Hopeful Ending, Quest, Romance, First Kiss, Some fluff?? Maybe??
Language: English
Published: 2018-01-25
Words: 2,700
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 41
Kudos: 1,111
Bookmarks: 73
Hits: 8,874
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)
For Arthur's Sake
Merlin thinks Arthur taking a wife is an egregious, unacceptable idea. Arthur wants him to realise why.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Oblivious Merlin, good uther, Epiphanic Love Confession, Arthur Trying To Prod Merlin Towards This Epiphany, Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2018-02-10
Words: 2,103
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 66
Kudos: 1,171
Bookmarks: 101
Hits: 10,208
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Gone
Arthur and Merlin are in an established relationship. What I think the episode would have ended like if that were true. Tag for S4e1
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Language: English
Published: 2014-03-25
Words: 1,675
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 33
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 887
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur, Gwaine, Lancelot, Elyan, Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Only A Kiss
Arthur is not the kind of guy who gets nervous. But he's nervous now. On his date with Merlin.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Kissing, First Dates, Fluff, Alternate Universe - College/University
Language: English
Published: 2014-03-28
Words: 1,044
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 156
Bookmarks: 8
Hits: 2,172
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Blanket Hog
Arthur woke to a cold bed and his first thought wasn’t of his absent husband, no, it was that goddamn blanket.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Blankets, Harry Potter References, Modern AU
Language: English
Published: 2018-03-13
Words: 722
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 22
Kudos: 368
Bookmarks: 30
Hits: 3,188
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Cat Adventures with Merlin and Arthur
Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
Merlin and his cat adventures, ones that almost get him killed, do not amuse Arthur. Not one bit! Notes Prompt 304: Saviour by ObsidianSerpent A/N : I intended to write something quite angsty but decided to go in the opposite direction with this one. Disclaimer : Merlin characters are the property of Shine and BBC. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended. Arthur was making his way outdoors to go to the training grounds when Sir Leon ran up to him, out of breath. “Sire, there is commotion at the stables.” When they arrived, it was to see Percival and Gwaine kneeling beside someone lying on the ground. Percival looked up at Arthur, his expression worried. “I don’t think he’s hurt too badly. The cat was on the roof,” were his only words. He looked as if he wanted to say more, but Arthur put up a hand and shook his head. He’d talk to Percival more in- depth later, but he’d heard all he needed for now. He had more important things to worry about. He didn’t need to look down to see who it was on the ground. Percival wouldn’t have given him that look unless it was Merlin. Arthur pushed the others out of his way and carefully picked up Merlin, only worrying afterwards that perhaps he should have left him on the ground until he could be checked out for injuries, but as Merlin was trying to talk, Arthur took that as a positive sign. He visibly relaxed once he saw that the damage didn’t seem too bad, and he briefly wondered whether he wanted to throttle Merlin or kiss him more. He opened his mouth to ask what had happened when he heard a familiar meow. Arthur sighed. He should have known. Damned cat! If Arthur had told Merlin once he’d told him a hundred times to not play with that cat! Hadn’t Arthur told him to be careful, that the cat didn’t like to be cuddled? It was a cat after all, even if it was small and perhaps a smidgeon cute and adorable. Arthur would have to have words with Percival, but first he had to take care of Merlin. Careful not to jostle Merlin, Arthur continued to glare at the cat. He had half a mind to put his sword through it, but he knew that if he did, Merlin would never forgive him, and Percival wouldn’t be happy either. “You are a menace to society, cat,” he said instead, glaring at it, but the look the feline gave him had Arthur thinking that he was the one being reprimanded, not the cat. The thought made Arthur chuckle. “I don’t know who is more the idiot here, you or Merlin.” Arthur made a shooing motion with his hand, but the cat refused to move. Arthur was about to kick it when Merlin opened an eye and cleared his throat. Arthur had been caught. Damn Merlin and his sixth sense! “You leave that cat alone, Arthur. He didn’t do anything to you.” Arthur let out another laugh. Merlin was amazing… an amazing idiot. The amazing idiot that Arthur just so happened to love. “No, but he nearly killed you. Am I not allowed to be upset about that?” Merlin tried to laugh, but grimaced, probably in pain. “If you want to be angry with someone, be angry with me. I was the one who decided to go up there to get the cat. That cat didn’t coax me onto the roof. I am a big boy, Arthur, and I can make my own decisions, believe it or not,” he finished, with more than a little condescension in his voice. All the fight went out of Arthur. As angry as he was with Merlin, and he was plenty angry, he was more thankful. Merlin could have easily been killed in the fall. Silly boy. Hadn’t he been told to stay in bed until he was over the sweating sickness? Gaius had lectured him about how important it was to get his strength back, and he had forbade Merlin to go back to work for a fortnight. The recovery period had seemed excessive to Arthur, but who was he to tell the Court Physician what was right and what was wrong when it came to medical conditions? Yes, he was King of Camelot, but if that qualified him to make diagnoses of the medical persuasion, he hadn’t been informed, thus, until that day arrived he would leave that business to more educated people than himself. “You idiot,” he spat out. “Did you honestly think it a good idea to climb atop the stables and play the hero? What were you doing out of bed anyway? I thought you were on strict bedrest.” Merlin opened his mouth to answer Arthur, but Gaius’s concerned voice rent the air as he called after Arthur and Merlin. “He’ll live, Gaius,” said Arthur, swallowing the words he wanted to say next. “A few bumps and scratches, but I don’t think he was hurt too badly.” Once Merlin was safely back in his bed, Arthur began the inquisition. One question after another, not stopping to take a breath. “Arthur,” Merlin interrupted, rolling his eyes, “Percival’s cat came into my room. I have no idea how he got here, but he did. I decided to take him back. I knew neither you nor Gaius would be happy with me, but I thought I could get there and back before you’d notice I was gone. How was I to know the cat would get away from me and jump up on the roof of the stables?” “So, being the hero you are,” said Arthur, shaking his head in exasperation, “you just had to follow him, didn’t you?” “Yep,” said Merlin, matter-of-factly, obviously quite proud of himself. He put on this cocky attitude far too often for Arthur's liking, but it was one of the qualities Arthur loved so much. “What am I going to do with you, Merlin?” Merlin smirked. “If you want to keep a closer eye on me, Arthur, you could always ask me to stay with you so you can play mother hen.” Such insolence could not be tolerated so Arthur did the only thing he could. He leant over to kiss Merlin. Yes, he would be moving Merlin into his chambers immediately. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Caring Arthur, Hurt Merlin, Fluff, Happy Ending, overprotective Arthur, Short & Sweet, Worried Arthur, Angst, Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Hurt/Comfort, Tenderness Collections: Camelot Drabble — Prompt #304: Saviour (Art Prompt)
Published: 2018-03-14
Words: 1000
Merlin's Trial, Arthur's Plan and How It All Went Awry
Merlin has to reveal his magic in order to save Arthur and Uther arrests him. This is the story of the trial and Arthur's plan to save Merlin. Neither of which go as expected. No Meant to be funny (you be the judge), also shows how much Merlin is loved in Camalot.Some spoilers, nothing big. Set before Lance's death but after Morgana leaves.
Rating: General Audiences
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: a lot of monologues, bit of a character study, Friendship
Language: English
Published: 2014-04-03
Words: 4,441
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 64
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,060
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
In the woods
“What?” exclaims Arthur, weak with disbelief, because Merlin really just said that there could be no place for magic in Camelot—no matter that this would sentence one of their knights to death.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Episode: s05e05 The Disir, Magic Revealed, Fix-It, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Missing Scene, Nice Arthur, Observant Arthur, Season/Series 05, First Kiss, Getting Together, Declarations Of Love, Love Confessions, Hugs, Arthur pays attention to Merlin's feelings, Arthur Finds Out, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic
Language: English
Published: 2018-04-12
Words: 1,558
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 24
Kudos: 2,036
Bookmarks: 182
Hits: 19,230
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mordred (mentioned only)
Art of Legally in Red
Arthur Pendragon has it all. He wants nothing more than to be Mr. Pendragon, husband of Sofia Side. But there is one thing stopping her from accepting his proposal: He is not serious. Arthur rallies all of his resources and gets into Harvard, determined to win her back.A Legally Blonde AU in which Arthur is Elle Woods and Merlin is Emmett Richmond/Forrest. There is also a lot of smiles as well as an immense amount of eye-contact and dog cuddles.ART
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Legally Blonde, Romantic Comedy, Eventual Romance, Fluff, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2018-04-14
Words: 21
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 40
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 2,382
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon/Sophia (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Elena/Mithian (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elena (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Cenred (Merlin), Nimueh (Merlin), Cedric (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
Rhyme or Reason
Arthur leads Merlin to the edge of the forest.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Angst, Unhappy Ending, Seemingly unrequited love
Language: English
Published: 2018-04-16
Words: 727
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 38
Kudos: 232
Bookmarks: 16
Hits: 2,005
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Don't say NO to me!
Arthur could see dirt scattered across Merlin’s face and he just walked up and wrapped his arms around Merlin's waist and buried his face in Merlin’s neck.“I’ve missed you,” Arthur said his voice muffled by Merlin’s shirtMerlin chuckled and it rumbled through his entire chest and Arthur could feel every sound.“I’ve missed you too prat,”“Come home, you’re tired I’m tired and I’m sick of waking up alone,” Arthur said gripping Merlin tighter.“Arthur...” Merlin sighed “You know I want to but I can’t say no to these people, their houses have been destroyed. They don’t have anywhere to sleep tonight...” and just as Merlin made to pull out of Arthur’s embrace Arthur held on to him tighter.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Arthur loves merlin, Court Sorcerer Merlin, This will make you smile!
Language: English
Published: 2018-04-19
Words: 776
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 7
Kudos: 328
Bookmarks: 28
Hits: 4,458
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Midnight in Arthur's Chambers
Merlin talks in his sleep at night.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Established Relationship, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Somniloquy (Sleep-Talking), Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2018-04-19
Words: 566
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 51
Kudos: 2,016
Bookmarks: 187
Hits: 13,454
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Behind Open Doors
Arthur thinks Merlin is cheating, but it turns out he just has a dirty mind.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Misunderstandings, Humor, Jealousy, Arthur has a dirty mind, Poor Merlin, Poor Morgana, Poor Arthur, this is so gay
Language: English
Published: 2018-04-20
Words: 334
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 173
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 4,548
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Morgana (Kinda)
Characters: Morgana (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Merlin, Arthur, the Ass and the Bee
A domestic scene in Camelot
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Drunkenness, Fluff, Gambling
Language: English
Published: 2014-04-13
Words: 499
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 91
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,361
It's Love
Merlin and Arthur talk about love while on a hunt.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: F/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Prompt Fic
Language: English
Published: 2014-04-14
Words: 245
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 7
Hits: 387
Small but Perfectly Formed
One of Merlin's spells goes a little bit wrong.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Canon Era, Ficlet, Mini Merlin, Magic, Magical Accidents
Language: English
Published: 2018-05-20
Words: 525
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 20
Kudos: 343
Bookmarks: 24
Hits: 2,887
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Albion: Does Not Compute (Plutonia's Birthday Bash Round Robin)
Arthur and Merlin on a hunt when they encounter a strange visitor from the future.Princes, and Servants, and Robots...oh my!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin - Fandom
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Robots, Time Travel, Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Language: English
Published: 2018-05-28
Words: 2,362
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 12
Kudos: 81
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 935
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Plutonia
His Three Names
To Merlin, Arthur had three names: prat, Arthur, and sire. Arthur was beginning to recognize the difference between them.A/N: It's not slash if you don't want it to be. I'm just saying it is because I want it to be, but you can go all bromance on it if you want.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Implied Slash, Light Angst, No Dialogue, No Plot/Plotless, Friendship/Love, Happy Ending
Language: English
Published: 2018-06-20
Words: 999
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 23
Kudos: 384
Bookmarks: 32
Hits: 3,258
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Merlin/Arthur - Fandom
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
It's Not Favoritism!
Arthur is finding all sorts of reasons to explain how he is most certainly not favoring Merlin. Obviously, no body is convinced, not even himself.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Implied Slash, No Smut, No Sex, Humor, Oblivious Arthur, Oblivious Merlin, Denial of Feelings, arthur in denial, Canon Era, Friendship/Love
Language: English
Published: 2018-06-24
Words: 2,271
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 42
Kudos: 1,056
Bookmarks: 76
Hits: 8,787
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Merlin/Arthur - Fandom
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Original Female Character(s)
Bowtie
Fluffy Merthur moment. With suits! And a bowtie, of course.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Cute, Fluff, Suits, Kissing
Language: English
Published: 2014-04-23
Words: 661
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 86
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 1,156
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Don't Forget the Cake
It's Arthur's birthday, and Merlin bakes for his party while Arthur enjoys his birthday with friends.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Birthday, Baking, Established Relationship, Fluff, Happy Ending, Merthur - Freeform
Language: English
Published: 2014-04-29
Words: 1,139
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 87
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 1,676
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Knights (Merlin)
Movies
Merlin decides it's time to show Arthur what a movie is, but it doesn't go according to plan.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merthur - Freeform, disney reference, Fluff, post reincarnation, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Arthur's trying, Merlin's exasperated, Neck Kissing
Language: English
Published: 2014-04-30
Words: 804
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 118
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 2,446
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Next Time We'll Talk
Arthur gets angry because of Merlin's confession to being a sorcerer when he tries to save Gwen. Merlin apologises.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Episode: s01e03 The Mark of Nimueh, Short One Shot
Language: English
Published: 2018-08-11
Words: 200
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 106
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 2,020
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Under Unexpected Circumstances
Arthur kisses Merlin... And Merlin reacts. Kind of magically.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: mild physical abuse, Anger, Angst, Magic Revealed, Kissing
Language: English
Published: 2014-05-10
Words: 372
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 170
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 4,066
Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Uther Pendragon
The puppet is strung.
Merlin and Arthur are told of an article on them in the recent Band magazine. After finally settling down again, emotions run high and Uther steps up his game more.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Uther is an ass, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Anger, Angst, Love Confessions
Language: English
Published: 2018-09-14
Words: 1,828
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 47
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,094
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)
Life outside of work.
Arthur and Merlin get ready for an interview, Merlin is nervous and Arthur helps him through it. Uther does not expect the outcome.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Confusion, Living Together, Nervousness, Comfort, Jokes
Language: English
Published: 2018-09-09
Words: 1,603
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 87
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,231
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Cutting the strings.
Merlin has had enough and makes a life changing choice and Arthur is right behind him and something starts to bloom between the two men.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Confessions, Honesty, Slow Build, Slow Romance, Confusion, Angst
Language: English
Published: 2018-09-14
Words: 1,337
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 55
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,520
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)
Epilogue
Arthur organises a romantic dinner with Merlin at the very expensive and well known restaurant 'The Avalon' but has another surprise up his sleeve.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Confessions, Fluff, Domestic
Language: English
Published: 2018-09-17
Words: 897
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 84
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,052
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Why Arthur hates romcoms but still watches them
Merlin loved romantic comedies. No matter how much Arthur teased him about it he would drag Arthur at any given time to their local cinema to watch some stupid chick flick.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Modern AU, celebrating the Diamond Day
Language: English
Published: 2014-05-14
Words: 529
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 86
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,290
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
The Key to Friendship
It's been exactly 10 years of Merlin living in Camelot and working for Arthur, and he just wants to spend it peacefully and in Camelot. Unfortunately, he's been stuck with Arthur on the road for days. Arthur might seem like he doesn't care, but really, he just wants to give Merlin a gift.Humour/Friendship and sheep :DHAPPY MERLIN TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Humour, Friendship, can be merthur if you want, Bromance, Anniversary, merlin anniversary, 10 years of merlin, merlin 10th anniversary, Banter, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic
Language: English
Published: 2018-09-20
Words: 2,612
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 12
Kudos: 189
Bookmarks: 14
Hits: 1,508
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Sheep - Character
The Blind Prince
Arthur doesn't like wearing his glasses
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Self-Esteem Issues, Shy Arthur, Arthur wearing glasses, Supportive Merlin, Halloween, Trick or Treating, Uther is nice in this, Established Relationship
Language: English
Published: 2018-10-09
Words: 625
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 202
Bookmarks: 9
Hits: 2,643
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
The Secret Stairwell
The haunted house is not at all what it seems.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Haunted Houses, hurt!Arthur, Hurt, Nice Morgana, Halloween, Blood, Established Relationship
Language: English
Published: 2018-10-20
Words: 585
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 30
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 707
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)
Day 27 - "I can't walk"
Merlin can't move his legs. Worry and mild panic ensue.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Immobility, (temporary), honestly i have no idea what else to tag this, Mutual Pining, (only a bit), Light Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Sharing a Bed
Language: English
Published: 2018-10-27
Words: 1,559
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 316
Bookmarks: 21
Hits: 3,771
Relationships: Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), (IMPLIED)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Machines
Merlin tries to teach Arthur how to drive in an empty lot, and finds he's way in over his head.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: okay they say one bad word once, That's it, that's the only reason it's teen and up, Fluff, Merthur - Freeform, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Learning to Drive
Language: English
Published: 2014-05-18
Words: 455
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 88
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 1,196
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Rainfall
I am going to die, Merlin thought. He did not know where Arthur was, but silently pleaded to who or whatever was listening that Arthur would not pursue him.If he’s even alive, Merlin thought. His heart dropped to his stomach. If these brutes killed Arthur, their destinies ended here, and Albion would never come to be.Please be alive, Merlin pleaded.But don’t come for me.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Hurt Merlin, Protective Arthur, Near Death Experiences, Friends to Lovers, Canon Era, Canon-Typical Violence, Implied/Referenced Torture, Captivity, Rescue, helpless merlin, Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Saves the Day, Love Confessions, Falling In Love, Kissing in the Rain, Rain, Fluffy Ending, One Shot
Language: English
Published: 2018-11-13
Words: 1,287
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 27
Kudos: 1,186
Bookmarks: 89
Hits: 12,877
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
a Merlin ficlet, Arthur's POV
When Arthur's king, there'll be another way.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Character: Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Blank Verse Blog Week, Poetry
Language: English
Published: 2009-04-23
Words: 392
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 23
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 721
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Gaius/Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Secrets
Victorian era AU. Agravaine has discovered their secret.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Don’t copy to another site
Language: English
Published: 2014-05-21
Words: 1,225
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 137
Bookmarks: 15
Hits: 1,692
Cuddling a Prince
Merlin leaves Camelot abruptly to see his mother in Ealdor. Arthur is left lonely, sleepless, and in need of a good cuddle. The knights step in to help, because what are friends for.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin - Fandom
Additional Tags: arthur misses merlin, and cuddles, the knights step in, Fluff and Crack, Established Relationship, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Comfort
Language: English
Published: 2018-11-26
Words: 1,548
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 653
Bookmarks: 63
Hits: 6,900
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Knights (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)
Thunderbolts and Lightning (Very, Very Frightening)
When the largest storm in Camelot history rolls through the city, Arthur has to try and take care of his city before it drowns. Meanwhile, he soon learns he has to take care of his servant as well.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Established Relationship, Canon Era, Rain, Thunder and Lightning, Cuddling, Secret Relationship, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort
Language: English
Published: 2014-05-27
Words: 1,514
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 7
Kudos: 758
Bookmarks: 50
Hits: 8,845
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Merry Happy
Merlin tells Arthur he's on his own, but very quickly proves that's not the case at all.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Childhood Friends, Pre-Slash, Tree Climbing, Alternate Universe - Childhood Friends
Language: English
Published: 2018-12-19
Words: 500
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 17
Kudos: 136
Bookmarks: 9
Hits: 1,258
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
A Goodbye
He watches over Merlin as he throws the sword into the lake. He watches over him as he collects the reeds around the lake to put on Arthur's boat. He watches over him as Merlin places his hand on Arthur's forehead and breaks down.He watches over him.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Post-Season/Series 05 Finale, Episode: s05e13 The Diamond of the Day, First Kiss, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Arthur-centric, POV Arthur, Hurt Merlin, Immortal Merlin, Heartbreaking, Love Confessions, Canonical Character Death, merthurdaily's Ten Years of Merlin & Arthur
Language: English
Published: 2018-12-25
Words: 862
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 18
Kudos: 316
Bookmarks: 23
Hits: 3,563
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin)
Lyrics
Merlin loves to write music, and one day, Arthur catches him writing music right inside Arthur's chambers. He manages to steal a few pages while Merlin runs away embarrassed, but the problem is . . . it's a love song! A love song about Arthur. Oops.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Song Lyrics, embarrassed merlin, First Kiss, Merthur - Freeform, Humor, merlin the song writer, Love Song, Music, merthurdaily's Ten Years of Merlin & Arthur
Language: English
Published: 2018-12-20
Words: 3,089
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 14
Kudos: 311
Bookmarks: 18
Hits: 2,624
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Little Family
Arthur and Merlin are the proud parents of four puppies a day in the life of their life turns dangerous when something is stalking the little pups.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: wolfverse!, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Alpha/Omega, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2019-01-06
Words: 726
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 283
Bookmarks: 26
Hits: 4,286
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Melodies on the Road
Merlin had the voice of a god, and Arthur wanted to hear more of it, but he definitely wasn't going to tell Merlin that. He'd hear it some other way.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Car rides, Singing, driving in the night, porch kisses, Fluff, Merthur - Freeform, Established Relationship, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2014-06-04
Words: 1,540
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 141
Bookmarks: 8
Hits: 1,898
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
One love of two hearts
Arthur loves hugs! And Merlin doesn't mind the least.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Autistic Character, autistic Arthur Pendragon, Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Hugs, Cuddling & Snuggling, Kissing, Neck Kissing, Sharing a Bed, Sleepy Cuddles, Dorks in Love, they´re so in love I can´t, (hints at), Insecure merlin, but I swear this isnt angsty!
Language: English
Published: 2019-01-14
Words: 1,211
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 30
Kudos: 896
Bookmarks: 92
Hits: 8,604
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
No Escape
Both Arthur and Merlin survive the ending battle and life goes on in Camelot. Arthur notes that Merlin seems particularly distracted and won't let him leave until he explains what's going on. Merlin can't bring himself to lie to him anymore.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: such feels, Arthur could have figured it out, even if he is a dollophead, no unhelpful dragons allowed, Panicky Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2019-01-21
Words: 2,797
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 91
Bookmarks: 11
Hits: 981
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
we will put the lonesome on the shelf
Merlin falls in love with Arthur. That's clear from even a cursory watch of this show.So let's talk about this story, about how Merlin falls in love with Arthur and his duty and he calls it destiny but that's not why he stays, because he's terrified by Uther but that doesn't matter.Merlin falls in love with Arthur because he's kind, and he's brave, and he's honorable, and he may not be Good with a capital 'G' but then again, who is? Merlin falls in love with Arthur because Arthur isn't a saint but he's not a monster, because Arthur is flawed and beautiful in his mistakes.Merlin falls in love with Camelot because Arthur loves his country and he shows Merlin how to love it too, because a boy with magic sure isn't going to fall in love with the nation that demands he repress what he is or else face death.Merlin falls in love with the people of this city, cowering and standing and kind and brave and broken. He falls in love with the peasants who trade in the marketplace, the knights who will lay down their lives for Arthur, even the cook who bops him on the head every time he passes.Merlin falls in love. Let's call it what it is.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Character Study, Magic Revealed, Arthur Is Not Oblivious, Falling In Love, Developing Relationship, I stan a couple of beautiful boys, Character Development, Happy Ending, Fairy Tale Elements, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe - Canon, low-key Uther death in background, but who cares?, "this show is gayer than i am", i shout into the void, the happiest "fuck you" to canon i've ever written, Meta, Fix-It
Language: English
Published: 2019-02-05
Words: 1,132
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 32
Kudos: 695
Bookmarks: 95
Hits: 5,362
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), mentions of all your faves, Gwaine (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin)
Thousands of Years And I’ve Still Got You
Arthur remembered exactly three days after Merlin. But not much changed for him. His own feelings about Merlin didn’t require much examination after remembering. Arthur of the past had loved Gwen, sure, but Arthur of the past had also loved Merlin. Arthur of the past didn’t ever bother examining what those feelings meant, they hardly mattered, what with Morgana’s betrayal, and running a kingdom, and needing an heir. Merlin had been his manservant and his friend and he had loved him. It really wasn’t particularly complicated. Feelings in the present seemed to require much more examination. He wasn’t sure why his modern day self had to be so angsty, or perhaps his past self had just been rather shallow.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Reincarnation, Alternate Universe - Reincarnation, Retrospective, Magic Revealed
Language: English
Published: 2019-01-16
Words: 1,802
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 10
Kudos: 254
Bookmarks: 25
Hits: 2,154
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Never Enough
During a meeting with Queen Victoria, Arthur met Helen Mora. She was an excellent singer. After a successful performance that Arthur set up, he was prepared to leave and go on a tour of the country with her. Merlin, upon hearing that Arthur would leave, couldn't help but feel like Arthur was ashamed of him and the circus.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff and Angst
Language: English
Published: 2019-02-15
Words: 1,370
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 84
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 1,164
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lady Helen of Mora
Walls
Merlin helps Arthur, who was injured in a fight with the very griffin that almost killed Merlin. Hurt, a lot of comfort, and the explanation of just why a prince would throw himself in harm's way for a lowly manservant.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, hurt Arthur, Battle, Magical Creatures, Slash, First Time, kiss, Confession, Love, Arthur is hurt, merlin is guilty, Patrol, Bath, Canon, canon AU, Prince Arthur, Caring Merlin, Happy Ending, happy-ish, Bittersweet
Language: English
Published: 2019-03-10
Words: 2,127
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 325
Bookmarks: 32
Hits: 3,588
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Bad news
When the phone rang, Merlin knew it would be another bad news
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2014-06-15
Words: 678
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 63
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,131
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Our New Beginning
When Arthur finds out about Merlin's magic, he does the only thing he can think of to protect him. He sends him away.After his father dies, Arthur sends for Merlin. With a promise for change and a new beginning for both of them.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Finds Out About Merlin’s Magic (Merlin), Protective Arthur, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, First Kiss, Love Confessions, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Fluff, Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2019-03-15
Words: 2,448
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 22
Kudos: 808
Bookmarks: 104
Hits: 7,965
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
As A Friend
After The Herald of A New Age, a joking conversation about hugs turns serious as Arthur realizes that Merlin doesn't remember the hug and most of what happened after in A Master of Two Servants. Sickeningly adorable boys.TW: mentions of effects of torture, while it doesn't happen to any character.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Humour, Bromance, Canon Era, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, theyre so adorable, POV Merlin (Merlin), One Shot
Language: English
Published: 2019-04-02
Words: 2,030
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 335
Bookmarks: 44
Hits: 2,298
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Together
Merlin really didn't like Arthur when he first became his manservant, but then ... he falls in love. But he knows it can never be, and even if it could, Arthur would never love him back... Right?Prequel to 'Elizabeth'
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Top Arthur, Bottom Merlin, Sweet Fluff, Getting Together, Love
Language: English
Published: 2014-06-25
Words: 2,519
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 190
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 4,124
Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon
Rewrite the Stars
Everything went wrong when Arthur ran into his father while out with Merlin. Merlin claimed that things for them weren't written in the stars. So, why not rewrite them?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Period-Typical Homophobia, Love Confessions
Language: English
Published: 2019-05-01
Words: 1,107
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 105
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 2,049
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
To Protect
Merlin's boyfriend Edwin is in hospital after once again beating Merlin up and the police, after talking to Edwin, go and arrest the one who threatened he would kill Edwin if he so much as touched Merlin again.... Arthur.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Abusive Relationships, Protectiveness, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Friendship/Love
Language: English
Published: 2019-06-19
Words: 2,661
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 212
Bookmarks: 22
Hits: 3,393
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Edwin Muirden
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Edwin Muirden, Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Two Months Ago
Everything changed two months ago, but Arthur can't remember.But everyone else can. Vividly.Alternate Title: "To Live Without You Is Madness"
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Secret Relationship, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Magic Revealed, Character Death, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Ghosts, Grief/Mourning, Five Stages of Grief, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst with a Hopeful Ending, (implied) Hallucinations, Hallucinations, Yelling, Canon Era, Amnesia
Language: English
Published: 2019-06-21
Words: 5,965
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 19
Kudos: 472
Bookmarks: 48
Hits: 5,099
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Peace for Our Time
Merlin froze for several seconds before squinting at Arthur across the table. “I feel like I’m definitely misunderstanding the situation here.”Arthur sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “I really don’t think you are.”“You want me to learn magic?”
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Magic Revealed, Season/Series 05, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, Whump, Canon Rewrite, Angst
Language: English
Published: 2019-03-22
Words: 91,060
Chapters: 37/37
Comments: 573
Kudos: 3,634
Bookmarks: 807
Hits: 83,971
Categories: F/M, Gen
Relationships: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Mordred (Merlin), Merlin/Mithian (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin)
Completed: 2019-04-27
Trickster
Mithian tells Arthur she thinks Merlin is a god. It's a joke, until it's not.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: BAMF!Merlin, Merlin's a god, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2019-06-23
Words: 1,454
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 83
Kudos: 5,423
Bookmarks: 410
Hits: 46,042
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin)
Touch Me (When I'm Afraid to Ask)
After the almost-hug in 2x06, Merlin is determined to find out why exactly Arthur avoids touching him. Is it because of him? Or is it just Arthur being a prat? Merlin desperately wants to find out, even though he himself isn't sure why. Merthur. First kiss.Written for Merlin/Arthur Touch Fest 2019 by artypendragon on LiveJournal.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Merlin is a Little Shit, Jealous Merlin, Touch-Starved, First Kiss, POV Merlin (Merlin), Hugs, Merthur - Freeform
Language: English
Published: 2019-07-03
Words: 3,075
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 62
Kudos: 1,843
Bookmarks: 157
Hits: 15,239
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Destiny and Doom
Arthur hires a band for his nephew, little Mordred's birthday.What could go wrong?Apparently .... everything.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Additional Tags: Destiny and Doom, merlin and arthur - Freeform, Merthur - Freeform, Merlin Is In A Band, Merlin Is A Singer, Merlin is a Little Shit (Merlin), Kid Mordred (Merlin), Band Fic, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Uther Is A Tired Grandpa, Arthur is a clotpole, dollophead, Cabbagehead, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), Music, Alternate Universe - Music, Cute Kids, Meet-Cute, Fluff and Smut, Fluff and Humor, Attempt at Humor, Inappropriate Humor, Boys Kissing, Boys In Love, Idiots in Love, Prat, two sides of the same coin
Language: English
Published: 2019-07-06
Words: 2,890
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 11
Kudos: 144
Bookmarks: 16
Hits: 2,171
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Merlin (TV) RPF
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Freya/Merlin (Merlin), Freya & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin/Will (Merlin), Merlin & Will (Merlin), Morgana/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot du Lac/Arthur Pendragon, Mordred/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mordred & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Mordred (Merlin), Merlin/Mordred (Merlin), Mordred/Morgana (Merlin), Mordred & Morgana (Merlin), Leon/Morgana (Merlin), Leon/Mordred (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen & Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Gwen & Morgana (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon/Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana/Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana/Arthur Pendragon/Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
By Your Side
“Look after yourself out there,” Arthur said.Merlin nodded, his heart growing heavy in his chest. “And you do the same.”Arthur fixed him with a stare that screamed of how much he wanted to take Merlin into his arms, to kiss him breathless and never let him go. Merlin knew, because he was sure in his eyes he wished for the same.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: angsty, Fluffy, part of a series, Merthur - Freeform, Not Canon Compliant, because no, Established Relationship, Canon Era, Preparing for the Battle of Camlann
Language: English
Published: 2019-07-06
Words: 1,975
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 7
Kudos: 175
Bookmarks: 17
Hits: 1,533
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Warden (Of The Land), Primal (Of The Sea)
“Atlantis has always had a King,” said Merlin, a worried frown settled on his features. Arthur longed to kiss his worries away, were it not for the impossible task still ahead. “Now, it needs something more.”The Trident’s recovery a constant weight on his shoulders, Arthur returned the intense gaze of his gorgeous companion. “What could be greater than a King?”“A Hero.”---Arthur is a half-human, half-atlantean warrior, popularly known as the Aquaman. Following his world saving feat with his fellow League heroes, he does his best to use his natural abilities for the good of humankind. Enter captivating, fierce Merlin, a Prince of the Seas, who insists on Arthur’s help to stop his power hungry half-brother King Mordred from forcefully uniting the oceanic people to conquer the surface world.The Kingdom of Atlantis needs its one true heir to take the throne, but can Arthur set aside his anger at the people who murdered his Queen Mother for bearing a half-breed? Amid Primordial Creatures, Legendary Weapons and Powerful Sea Sorcerers, Arthur must stop a great war and save everyone, while enduring Merlin’s irresistible self.Easier said than done.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Additional Tags: Aquaman!Arthur, Mera!Merlin, Slow Burn, Protective Arthur, Pining Arthur, Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Badass EVERYONE, Gaius is so done, Uther is nice, Mordred is a little shit, BAMF Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Prince!Merlin, Alternate Universe - DCEU
Language: English
Published: 2019-06-08
Words: 83,660
Chapters: 20/20
Comments: 103
Kudos: 427
Bookmarks: 138
Hits: 14,479
Fandoms: Aquaman (2018), Merlin (TV)
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana & Morgause, Ygraine de Bois/Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor/Hunith (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Valiant (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gawain (Arthurian), Leon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)
Completed: 2019-10-20
Poetic Soul
Arthur was very aggravated at Merlin. "Poetry!" he cried. "Poetry!"Merlin just shrugged dumbly."Poetry!" Arthur cried louder. "You know what, just because you're a big girl, doesn't mean you have to makemeto be!"--Merlin tries to teach Arthur poetry. As usual, Arthur uses it to cut corners in romancing Gwen. Merlin is not pleased by this.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Poetry, Awkward Romance, Love Confessions, Masculinity
Language: English
Published: 2019-07-18
Words: 3,075
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 74
Bookmarks: 10
Hits: 1,405
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
Arthur Touches Merlin More Than He Absolutely Has To
As the title suggests, this is a compilation of times when Arthur's touches lingered, and Merlin noticed.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Caretaking, Injury, Self-Sacrifice, Touching, Touch-Starved, Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Banter, Feeding, Feeding Kink, Getting Together, First Kiss, Kissing, Boys Kissing, Sharing a Bed, Sharing Clothes, Awkward Kissing, Love, Friendship/Love, Friends to Lovers, Flirting, Eye Sex, Eye Contact, and a lot of it, tm - Freeform
Language: English
Published: 2019-07-21
Words: 5,493
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 30
Kudos: 1,304
Bookmarks: 135
Hits: 12,622
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
The numbness was worth it
Merlin gets stabbed and gets treated by GaiusMerlin has to be resting or else the numbness Gaius gave him would ware offArthur gets bored looking at Merlin so he runs off to fighthe runs into MorganaMerlin ignores the numbness to go help his friendAltough,Morgana tells Arthur something secretive that Merlin hearsWhat is it?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Adventure, Romance
Language: English
Published: 2014-07-27
Words: 1,359
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 5
Hits: 610
Archive Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Underage Sex
Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lady Morgana, Gaius (Merlin)
If I Lost You
Merlin and Arthur have their first argument after Merlin risks his life to save Arthur’s.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: First Arguement, Light Angst, Fluff, Kissing, Protectiveness, Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2019-08-24
Words: 507
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 9
Kudos: 314
Bookmarks: 25
Hits: 3,748
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Thanks Mum
Everyone remembers that one time they called their teacher ‘mum.’ Maybe it wasn’t that exact situation (called the babysitter ‘Dad’ or called out for ‘Ma’ in the middle of a group of women). Either way, that embarrassing moment has happened to someone at least once in their life, however it happened. It happened to Arthur when he was six.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2014-08-08
Words: 1,119
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 27
Kudos: 785
Bookmarks: 62
Hits: 5,243
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Familiar To You, Strange To Me
Merlin is on the run from Cenreds knights and transforms into a puppy. And who should find him but Arthur? Who takes him back to Camelot to become one of his hunting dogs.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Pre-Canon, Pre-Slash, Magic Revealed, Animal Transformation, Panic Attacks, Don't copy to another site, Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Jealousy, Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius did not sign up for a stupid reckless son, but that's what he got, Merlin did not prepare for this much work, Arthur did not ask to have his entire world view to be rewritten, Good Morgana (Merlin), this was not supposed to be this long, Arthur makes Merlin think about Kilgharrah’s prophesies and not just believe everything he hears, Technically finished but could be returned to
Language: English
Published: 2019-09-24
Words: 60,332
Chapters: 5/5
Comments: 54
Kudos: 778
Bookmarks: 172
Hits: 18,573
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Gaius & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah & Merlin (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah & Arthur Pendragon, Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin)
Completed: 2019-12-07
the after
From the nightmares the dream begins.'“Yes, but,” Arthur crowded Merlin again, his lips hovering over Merlin’s until Merlin closed the gap between them and covered Arthur’s mouth with his own. “Did you mean it?”'
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Marriage Proposal, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2019-11-20
Words: 2,044
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 14
Kudos: 730
Bookmarks: 50
Hits: 5,783
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
I'll Catch You When You Fall
After discovering Merlin's magic, Arthur needs time alone to sort through his conflicted feelings. With the Winter Solstice rapidly approaching, Merlin leaves clues to show Arthur that magic isn't inherently evil. Will Arthur be able to overcome his sense of betrayal and confess his own secret?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Deviates From Canon, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), conflicted Arthur, hurt Arthur, Winter Solstice, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Good Morgana (Merlin), Awesome Gwen (Merlin), Arthur Needs To Work Through Some Things, Sweet Merlin (Merlin), BAMF George, Happy Ending, Artistic License With Solstice Customs
Language: English
Published: 2019-12-28
Words: 9,688
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 69
Kudos: 1,064
Bookmarks: 180
Hits: 7,521
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), George (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)
Impulses
Arthur is injured in a battle, and Merlin is worried.Written for the prompt: Merlin giving Arthur a tight hug that makes them lose their breath.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Pre-Slash, Minor Injuries, Concerned Merlin, Hugging
Language: English
Published: 2019-12-08
Words: 744
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 17
Kudos: 205
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 1,714
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Just Part of the Job
Merlin goes on his first patrol with Arthur.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Oblivious Arthur, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Saves the Day (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2019-12-22
Words: 1,787
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 378
Bookmarks: 16
Hits: 2,297
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Knights (Merlin)
Sunshine
Arthur gets shot!(A modern au one shot that has nothing else with it. I just saw a prompt and went with it)Please be sure to comment as I'd love to hear from all of you!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: I’m sorry, Angst, One Shot, Arthur gets shot, this has no other context, angsty as fuck
Language: English
Published: 2019-12-27
Words: 400
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 31
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 340
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
The Month of Marriage.
This is a collection of oneshots forMarry Merthur Month, coupled with lefayart'sMerlin Inktoberprompts. So if you want to see our favourite idiots tie the knot in as many different ways as possible, come on and enjoy the ride.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Marriage, Marriage Proposal, Married Couple, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Drinking, King Merlin (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Prince Merlin (Merlin), Royal Merlin (Merlin), Arranged Marriage, Idiots in Love, Boys In Love, oneshots, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Self Confidence Issues, Powerful Merlin (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Era, Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Good Mordred (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Pirate, Pirates, Violence, Canon-Typical Violence, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Reincarnation, Mpreg, Implied Mpreg, Disabled Character, Disabled Arthur Pendragon, Dragon Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Soul Bond, Temporary Character Death, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), Polyamory, Parent Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Parent Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Returns (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2019-10-01
Words: 63,679
Chapters: 31/31
Comments: 205
Kudos: 1,216
Bookmarks: 186
Hits: 22,565
Categories: M/M, F/M, F/F
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Leon/Morgana (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot/Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Iseldir (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Cenred (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-01-25
Misunderstanding
Arthur is coming back home to his boyfriend but heard some questionable things coming from the apartment and assumes the worst
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Misunderstandings, Funny, Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2014-08-29
Words: 343
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 36
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,238
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)
In Which Arthur Lets a Sorcerer Live and Regrets It
“MERLIN!” Arthur shrieked as he dove for his sword. Merlin only groaned, raising his arm to push Will’s hand down as the damned idiot laughed wildly. “Keep your goddamn sorcerer in line, I swear to-”“Beware, my prince.” Will interrupted solemnly as he raised his hands to signal complete silence “For my powers will surely turn you into the toad that you are. Bippity Boppity…Make Arthur Hoppity….” He said, wiggling his fingers. Arthur swore loudly. Merlin gave a cough that suspiciously sounded like a laugh before turning to fix his friend with a hard glare.“Stop it.”“He makes it too easy, Merlin. Honestly.”OrWill survived the battle of Ealdor and occasionally comes around to visit Merlin…And torture Arthur.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Explicit Language, Y'all know I curse too much by now, Some vague, Sexual Humor, Will is kind of mean, Merlin is So Done (Merlin), POV Arthur, some references to certain episodes, Arthur agreed to let Will live but is constantly regretting it, Humor, Attempt at Humor, Annoyed Arthur, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Language: English
Published: 2020-01-05
Words: 10,011
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 235
Kudos: 8,010
Bookmarks: 1,073
Hits: 59,648
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Arthur Pendragon & Will, Merlin & Will (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-01-07
Someday
Prompt: Give Merlin and Arthur a happy ending please.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Protective Arthur, Boys In Love, Love, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Sleepy Cuddles, Cuddling & Snuggling
Language: English
Published: 2020-01-19
Words: 693
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 363
Bookmarks: 24
Hits: 4,181
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Knights and Guards
A king is dead. Long live the king.A servant is missing. Long Live the king.A friend is hurt. Long live the king.A story of how Merlin isn't as strong when it comes to Arthur's words as he likes to believe, and how Arthur maybe needs Merlin more than he's ever going to admit, and how Gwaine would really like it if everyone stopped falling in love with his lover; told in small parts.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Canon Era, uther's death, slight angst, Some Fluff, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Protective Knights (Merlin), Hurt Everyone Really, Protective Gwaine (Merlin), Possible One Sided Arthur/Merlin, Magic Not Revealed
Language: English
Published: 2020-01-27
Words: 4,022
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 481
Bookmarks: 45
Hits: 4,350
Relationships: Gwaine/Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Knights (Merlin)
The Mystery of Merlin
Arthur attempts logical deduction. He puts 2 and 2 together and eventually arrives at 4. By detouring past 5.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Humor, Magic Revealed, Arthur Finds Out
Language: English
Published: 2009-03-17
Words: 2,224
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 42
Kudos: 2,615
Bookmarks: 218
Hits: 26,733
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon, Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
I'll be back, I promise
Arthur had to get Merlin out of Camelot, apparently the idiot has magic and his father, Uther had found out about it. He couldn't lose Merlin, he just couldn't
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin - Fandom
Additional Tags: Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Execution, Temporary Character Death, Arthur is slowly losing it, Everything is sad until it isn't
Language: English
Published: 2020-03-09
Words: 1,917
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 123
Bookmarks: 10
Hits: 1,589
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin)
Something Trivial (Multiviews)
“Their stories have been told for centuries; Their bodies have been buried in the dust.”Gwaine : about freedomLancelot: about beliefHunith: about childrenGaius: about timeMorgana: about hatredMordred: about betrayalGwen: about emotionPercival: about respectMeilin: about destinyArthur: about us and us alone
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Multi
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Angst, Multiviews
Language: English
Published: 2020-02-09
Words: 13,627
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 31
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 812
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Lancelot (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Hunith & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin & Morgana & Arthur Pendragon, Merlin & Mordred (Merlin) & Original Character(s)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)
Sapphire Blue
Merlin asks Arthur a stupid question.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: just good ol'e chatter, Friendship, Favourite Colours, One Shot, Arthur's annoyed by Merlin sort of, Short One Shot
Language: English
Published: 2020-02-19
Words: 481
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 139
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,118
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Merlin has a soft spot for animals
And they have a soft spot for him.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Additional Tags: Fluff, Animals, Merlin and animals, Cute, because animals are always cute, Merlin-centric (Merlin), but of course
Language: English
Published: 2020-02-21
Words: 6,389
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 58
Kudos: 4,461
Bookmarks: 630
Hits: 26,762
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Merlin BBC
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin, Gwaine & Merlin, Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin), And the most important one?, Merlin & Animals
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
I'm Yours
"Arthur used to think he knew everything about his servant, and to an extent he still did. As shocked as he had been about the incident, this wasn’t exactly something that was unlike Merlin. It was dumb and it came from a place of kindness with a total disregard of himself. The action itself, Arthur understood. What he didn’t understand was why Merlin had kept it to himself."In which Arthur slowly unravels the mystery that is Merlin, and begins to realize just how much he doesn't know.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Friendship, Platonic Relationships, Secrets, Canon-Typical Violence, Post-Season/Series 03, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed, Scars, Light Angst
Language: English
Published: 2018-08-08
Words: 61,895
Chapters: 10/10
Comments: 385
Kudos: 2,259
Bookmarks: 644
Hits: 40,469
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Canon Relationships - Relationship
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin)
Completed: 2018-10-24
Playing Hooky
Merlin and Arthur create a plan to get out of their work for the day
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin is a Little Shit, Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Romance, Cuddling & Snuggling, Sleepy Cuddles, Fluff, Everything is Beautiful and Nothing Hurts, Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2020-02-23
Words: 634
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 327
Bookmarks: 23
Hits: 2,248
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Grief
Balinor just died. And instead of comforting Merlin, Arthur tells him not to cry.Merlin is done - and gives Arthur a piece of his mind
Rating: Not Rated
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Grief, merlin is mad, No man is worth your tears, Oblivious Arthur, Emotional Hurt, Merlin is So Done (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2020-02-25
Words: 917
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 34
Kudos: 1,867
Bookmarks: 106
Hits: 12,806
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Major Character Death
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin)
The Clockroom
There is a room in the vaults of Camelot, where strange objects tick and tick and tick.When Arthur enters the room for the first time, he knows what the room is and what it's for. But because it is magic, he shouldn't be here. His curiosity takes the better of him and he approaches the immortal clock, a legendary one that belongs to no other than Emrys.It turned out that the clocks throw you forward in time and Arthur falls head first into the moments right after his own death.Follow BBC Merlin's series from Arthur's point of view with a little twist. This time, they will get their happy end... even though nothing changes. #canon compliantEdit: I've tried to continue this. I'm sorry but I really can't. DISCONTINUED
Rating: Not Rated
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin’s Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Fluff, Time Travel, Dragoon, a lot of confusion, Falling In Love, Idiots in Love, Once and Future King, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), Polyamory, Canon Compliant
Language: English
Published: 2020-02-16
Words: 129,373
Chapters: 15/?
Comments: 88
Kudos: 293
Bookmarks: 61
Hits: 11,666
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Categories: Gen, F/M, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Freya/Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Cornelius Sigan, Freya (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin), Vivian (Merlin), Odin (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Geoffrey of Monmouth (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Nimueh (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois (Merlin), Knights (Merlin)
Updated: 2023-10-01
When He Wakes, I'll Go
When Merlin is tortured for information, Arthur stands vigil by his bedside.orLate Entry for Whumptober 2019, Day 10: Unconscious.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Whumptober, Whumptober 2019, Day 10, Unconscious, Whump, whumpage, merlin whump, Tumblr Prompt, Prompt Fill, Prompt Fic, One Shot, One Shot Collection, Short One Shot, October Prompt Challenge, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Merlin, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), hurt Arthur, Protective Arthur, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Implied/Referenced Torture, Past Torture, Serious Injuries, Minor Injuries, Major Character Injury
Language: English
Published: 2020-03-04
Words: 431
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 11
Kudos: 559
Bookmarks: 48
Hits: 7,201
Categories: F/M, Gen
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Opposites attract
Merlin and Arthur decide to do a Harry Potter marathon
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: sort of cross-over
Language: English
Published: 2014-09-13
Words: 512
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 80
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 907
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy
Flowers for the decade
Arthur keeps getting reincarnated at times when he isn't needed, so he keeps dying soon after. The Fates keep sending Arthur back every era or so and each time there is a different flower that represents them.Like many others I'm distracting myself with fic. Hope everyone is well and staying safe ❤️Also I hope this makes sense, I'm sincerely sleep deprived. Enjoy! X
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Flowers, Historical, Short, Historical References, Temporary Character Death, Reincarnation, No Slash
Language: English
Published: 2020-03-15
Words: 1,044
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 60
Bookmarks: 9
Hits: 417
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
By Myself
Merlin leaves Lance for Arthur, but is it a case of once a cheat, always a cheat?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Angst, Merlin Modern AU
Language: English
Published: 2011-08-01
Words: 9,737
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 9
Kudos: 259
Bookmarks: 58
Hits: 9,089
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Other(s)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon
all I need darling (is a life in your shape)
“I’m going to propose,” Arthur said.Merlin nearly crashed the car.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Love Triangles, Emotional Infidelity, Pining Merlin (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Angst, Jealous Merlin (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2020-03-29
Words: 1,000
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 58
Kudos: 788
Bookmarks: 45
Hits: 11,238
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language
Merlin accidentally speaks multiple languages.
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Languages, Multilingual Character, Bilingual Character(s), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Merlin can also speak to animals, Magic, Magic Revealed, instinct language, Fluff, fluff in second chapter
Language: English
Published: 2020-03-27
Words: 6,492
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 200
Kudos: 7,669
Bookmarks: 789
Hits: 62,725
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-03-30
10 Reasons Not to Fight a D̶r̶a̶g̶o̶n̶ Bird (a Guide by Arthur Pendragon)
“Merlin…” Arthur said as he slowly started to reach for his sword. “Don’t…Move…”“No, no, no! Arthur, it’s alright!” Merlin said as he moved (because obviously he ignored Arthur’s orders and moved) in front of the desk. “She’s just saying hello!”“That’s a dragon.” Arthur informed him. Merlin looked over his shoulder for a moment.“No, it isn’t.”There was a pause.“Yes, it is.”“No.” Merlin shook his head. “It…Uh, is not…A dragon.”“Then what the Hell is it?!” Arthur asked, not letting his eyes drift away from the fire breathing demon. Yeah. That was definitely a dragon. Merlin clicked his tongue before also staring behind him.“It is…A…Bird…”There was another pause.“You’re really sticking with that?”“I am, thank you.”OrMerlin has to convince the King of Camelot that he is not, in fact, in possession of a dragon. Luckily, the rest of the kingdom has already been won over by the baby dragon and is quite willing to aid in this quest.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Dragons, fuck yeah, Dragonlord Merlin (Merlin), Dragonlord Powers, dragon powers, Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Aithusa is a cutie, She helps out anyone she meets, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2020-03-29
Words: 10,328
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 332
Kudos: 10,345
Bookmarks: 1,764
Hits: 70,752
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Aithusa & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa & Camelot
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Literally everyone in Camelot
Completed: 2020-03-31
If I Knew What I Was Doing
Merlin had found the rings almost three weeks before Arthur proposed.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Modern AU
Language: English
Published: 2011-08-05
Words: 1,181
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 85
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 2,004
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon
Whiskers and Tails
When Arthur was sixteen, he was cursed to be a cat.If it wasn't for his mothers ring, he would still be missing, with nobody knowing his whereabouts.Maybe he'd even be presumed dead.He hadn't taken off the ring ever since. Now, as he was king - he decided he deserved a break.Arthur didn't know the ring would only work once...
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Cats, Arthur is a Cat, cursed Arthur Pendragon, Once and Future King, emrys - Freeform, Lady of the Lake - Freeform, Rings, Enchanted Rings, breaking curses with Gaius, Merlin talks to animals, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin’s Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Someone dies, but you'll be happy he dies
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-03
Words: 13,339
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 119
Kudos: 2,253
Bookmarks: 319
Hits: 16,425
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), past Merlin/Freya - Relationship, past Gwen/Arthur
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-04-05
The arranged marriage between Arthur and Merlin.
King Merlin and King Arthur meet on their wedding day, Arthur has not been able to process his feelings properly and marries Merlin out of duty but Merlin vows to make his new husband happy, little did they know that they are perfect for one another, it will just take time.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Arranged Marriage, King Merlin - Freeform, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur does it out of duty., Merlin is not too sure about it., but as they learn more about one another, they fall in love, HARD, Arthur is sad and repressed his feelings out of duty, Merlin wants to make him happy, Fanart, Merlin Fanart, Arthur fanart, Ygraine Sigil
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-12
Words: 171
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 12
Kudos: 173
Bookmarks: 8
Hits: 4,360
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
sleepy
Arthur knows about Merlin's magic. He's practically always known.He was more concerned over the fact that Merlin kept falling asleep EVERYWHERE.Not that he minds much.
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Sleep, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur, Protective Arthur, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Gwaine Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), No Smut, Fluff, Fluff and Humor, Tooth-Rotting Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-13
Words: 14,596
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 121
Kudos: 4,429
Bookmarks: 570
Hits: 42,124
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Merlin (Merlin), Elyan & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-04-16
Merlin cannot defend himself, and how Arthur discovered he can
Arthur knew Merlin couldn’t defend himself, so when Merlin insists on going into the woods by himself, Arthur tails him. He’ll ambush him, it’ll be a laugh, right?Wrong.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Original Character(s), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Pre-Slash, Was a one shot but I got too excited and decided to keep writing
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-15
Words: 4,288
Chapters: 3/3
Comments: 41
Kudos: 1,788
Bookmarks: 172
Hits: 13,908
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-04-20
Stupid And Beautiful
“Then... then you’re as stupid as you are ugly,” Arthur spat. Merlin gulped, and ran towards the door.“Merlin-“ he heard the scraping of a chair, “Wait,” Arthur said.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Cuddles, Sad Merlin (Merlin), Angry Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Sharing a Bed, First Kiss, Friends to Lovers
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-25
Words: 484
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 288
Bookmarks: 10
Hits: 4,621
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
royal blood
..... as if Balinor could be killed by Bandits O.oAlternatively:An alternative take on Balinor surviving and saving Camelot....And then proceeding to hold the entire kingdom hostage, because he has a frigging Dragon at his disposal :)
Rating: Not Rated
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Royalty, Balinor Lives (Merlin), Everybody Lives, Protective Arthur, POV Arthur, Jealous Arthur, Oblivious Arthur, BAMF Arthur, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Protective Merlin, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin’s Magic (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), dragon - Freeform, dragon lord, Arthur thinks Merlin is adopted, Soulmates, Potions, Potions Accident, Soulmate AU, Marriage, Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Knights - Freeform, nobles - Freeform, Albion, The Golden Age (Destiny), Golden Age, Immortality, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), Immortal Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-25
Words: 26,590
Chapters: 4/4
Comments: 274
Kudos: 3,989
Bookmarks: 636
Hits: 57,955
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M, F/F
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor & Merlin (Merlin), Balinor/Hunith (Merlin), Balinor & Kilgharrah (Merlin), Balinor & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith & Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-05-02
do you believe in happy endings?
"Night is falling. The temperature is dropping. Arthur is dying."Merlin doesn't expect it to end like this: Arthur, weak and listless; himself, utterly powerless. But that doesn't change reality. Merlin soon finds himself compelled to make a confession, even if it's the last thing Arthur hears.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fix-It of Sorts, Spoilers, Season 5 Spoilers, Fairy Tale Elements, Self-Indulgent, Everybody Lives, Nobody is Dead, Confessions, First Kiss
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-27
Words: 4,123
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 28
Kudos: 254
Bookmarks: 29
Hits: 1,883
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Harsh Words & Loving Arms
Arthur has been with Merlin for four months when he finally decides to tell his father.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Uther Pendragon's A+ Parenting (Merlin), Homophobia, Emotional Hurt
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-29
Words: 4,929
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 25
Kudos: 529
Bookmarks: 30
Hits: 6,170
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Arthur and Merlin
Arthur and Merlin just enjoying each other’s company.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin - Fandom
Relationship: Arthur/Merlin
Additional Tags: Fluff, Cuddling, Short
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-30
Words: 105
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 229
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 4,499
Characters: Arthur, Merlin
most beloved
At first, it hadn’t crossed his mind- not really- that Merlin may have such a distinct and specific taste in men. It had all fallen into place when one fateful afternoon, Merlin spoke about some Greek hero, some ancient, Hellenic lad by the name of Achilles.or,In which Arthur wants to look like Achilles to win Merlin's heart, but of course, he's missing the whole point.Written for Scruffy Pendragon Fest 2020.Podficby the wonderfulBlazingPeniclsavailable.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Getting Together, Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Jealous Arthur, arthur wants to look greek y'all, Attempt at Humor, Fluff and Angst, Pining Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine Being Gwaine, so soft, very soft, First Kiss, Love Confessions, Scruffy Arthur, Scruffy Arthur Pendragon, Protective Arthur, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Emotionally Constipated Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good morgana, homer references, iliad references, achilles/patroclus parallels, Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-30
Words: 5,111
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 114
Kudos: 2,108
Bookmarks: 327
Hits: 16,873
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Geoffrey of Monmouth (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
You Didn't Say That
Merlin tells Arthur about his magic because it's the right thing to do.That doesn't mean Arthur knows everything.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: can be platonic or romantic you decide, Magic Revealed, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Hijinks & Shenanigans, Merlin's a fucking powerhouse okay, a little bit of angst? but it's really not bad?
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-01
Words: 2,031
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 47
Kudos: 2,788
Bookmarks: 249
Hits: 19,549
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Love Me Tenderly
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Modern AU, Established Relationship, First Time, Virgin!Merlin, Gentle!Arthur, Pet Names, PWP, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, First Time Bottoming, Fluffy Smut, Podfic Welcome, bottom!Merlin, top!arthur
Language: English
Published: 2014-10-03
Words: 1,602
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 379
Bookmarks: 47
Hits: 10,233
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
The Problem with Soulmates
Arthur is completely in love with Merlin. The problem with this is that Merlin is Morgana’s soulmate, not Arthur’s.Merlin knows that Arthur is his soulmate. But Arthur likes women, and Merlin is a sorcerer, something his scars make obvious. So, he prevents his scars from appearing on Arthur.In a world where your scars show up on your soulmate’s body, how does a warlock hide his true identity? How does a prince cope with loving someone else’s soulmate?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Soulmates, Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Oblivious Arthur, Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Slight torture, Arthur’s an idiot in love, Good Morgana (Merlin), background Merlin/Morgana (but not really)
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-03
Words: 2,739
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 12
Kudos: 1,432
Bookmarks: 107
Hits: 14,306
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)
Nycto
There's a power outage in Merlin and Arthur's flat and its too dark for comfort.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Comfort, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2014-10-04
Words: 1,344
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 17
Kudos: 440
Bookmarks: 40
Hits: 4,397
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
And the Reason Is You
What if Merlin took little Mordred to hide in Arthur's chambers instead of Morgana's? Would Arthur betray his own father in order to help them or would he hand them over to the guards instead?When Merlin bursts through the door and sees Arthur there, he has no idea what the prince will do. But the length to which Arthur is willing to go for Merlin will surprise them both.Set in the episode 1x08 The Beginning of the End.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Episode: s01e08 The Beginning of the End, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Kid Mordred (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana Friendship (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), First Kiss
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-08
Words: 3,833
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 29
Kudos: 1,712
Bookmarks: 177
Hits: 12,245
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Competition is A Funny Thing
In a land where Camelot was only a legend, and Arthur and Merlin's destinies intertwined at a young age, our boys still find a way to fight over everything. In the most loving way possible, of course. When everything is a competition, the rules can change surprisingly as you get older, and when you stop competing just to win...well, the results just might surprise you.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fluff, Fluff and Angst, only a little angst, Getting Together, Friends to Lovers, Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Modern: No Powers, Unless you count some destiny, Attempt at Humor, Romance
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-12
Words: 7,400
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 11
Kudos: 104
Bookmarks: 15
Hits: 916
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
The truth in his eyes
Merlin isn't a good servant, understatement of the century, really.Sometimes Arthur doesn't know why he lets him keep the job.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin, 5+1 Things, Kind Of, season 1/ season 2, Pining Arthur, Mutual Pining, Magic Revealed, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), arthur aint oblivious in this one yall, Identity Reveal
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-13
Words: 6,573
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 52
Kudos: 1,070
Bookmarks: 146
Hits: 9,066
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Knowledgeable Manservants and Oblivious Kings
After the season 4 battle with Morgana, Merlin and Arthur have a little talk.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Weirdness, How Do I Tag, I Tried
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-18
Words: 241
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 28
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 247
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
winning the battle
This husk of a man wears Merlin’s face and has Merlin’s magic, but he’s not Merlin. Merlin’s gone. Albion has claimed him as the price for Arthur’s victory at the battlefield.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Pendragon Lives (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Post-Episode: s05e13 The Diamond of the Day, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Needs a Hug, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-18
Words: 5,498
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 48
Kudos: 1,438
Bookmarks: 193
Hits: 10,980
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)
Sacrifice
Merlin saves Arthur like usual except this time there’s no time and nowhere to hide. Words are exchanged and stories told.I wrote this for a taboo challenge thing forever ago. That’s why there’s an absence of usual words and phrases you’d see in a reveal story.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Spoilers-ish, Just wanted to rant about Merlin’s accomplishments, this is so weird
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-18
Words: 1,114
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 27
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 530
Relationships: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
Memory Jar
Uther Pendragon is dead.The sorcerer succeeded. And now a new king rules over Camelot and fights wars with the neighboring kingdoms.At his side, his loyal puppet the Shadow. Or as others like to call him: Emrys.The only one who can stop them is Prince Arthur Pendragon.The problem is: Nobody remembers who that is. Not even Arthur himself.
Rating: Not Rated
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Memory Loss, Memory Magic, Memory Charms, uther pendragon is dead, Who is Arthur Pendragon, POV Arthur, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Uther Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Merlin, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin’s Magic (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Evil Merlin (Merlin), except not really, evil sorcerer, Marriage Proposal, Marriage, Gwen and Lance are married, Good Morgana (Merlin), neutral mordred, Slow Burn, Amnesia, Temporary Amnesia, Soul Bond, Self-Sacrifice
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-13
Words: 68,857
Chapters: 17/17
Comments: 184
Kudos: 577
Bookmarks: 102
Hits: 16,292
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Agravaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Agravaine & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Mordred (Merlin), Mordred & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine & Gwen (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin, Gwen (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Emrys, Morgana (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Kara (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Lady of the Lake, Original Characters, Original Child Character(s)
Completed: 2020-11-14
each nearly, each almost
It was a rare occurrence for Merlin to see Arthur with any sort of stubble. He had, of course, seen it before, on longer patrols where conditions simply were not conducive to shaving. But they were not on patrol now and the sight of Arthur’s almost-beard darkening his cheeks against the rich brocade of his pillow was rather different from that same stubble against the rough cloth of his bedroll. On patrol, the shadow on Arthur’s jaw could be mistaken for dirt or general unwashed grime. Here, it made Arthur look older, more mature. Merlin rather liked it.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merlin gives Arthur a shave, First Kiss, Scruffy Pendragon Fest (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-31
Words: 1,877
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 24
Kudos: 469
Bookmarks: 50
Hits: 2,886
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Pause/Rewind
Arthur; remaining ignorant, finding out, reacting badly, accepting, triumphant.Camelot falls. Pause. Rewind. Move forward once more.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Language: English
Published: 2011-08-30
Words: 406
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 74
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 1,216
Categories: F/F, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
A Scarf, a Poorly Wrapped Gift, and a Kiss
”Merlin Emrys, will you make me the happiest person in the universe and marry me?”
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fluff, there is one curse word, light comedy, Anniversary, Anniversaries, Cold, Scarfs, Marriage Proposal, proposal, can be read as, Modern AU, or - Freeform, arthur returns au, resurrection AU, ? - Freeform, Soft Boys, Gay, LGBT, Idiots in Love
Language: English
Published: 2020-06-15
Words: 517
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 18
Kudos: 164
Bookmarks: 8
Hits: 1,071
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
A Month, A Day
Merlin jumps in front of a spell to save Arthur. They're not injured, and no one can figure out what's happened.Then Arthur and Merlin figure out they're tied together. They can't move further than a few feet apart. How in the hell are they supposed to get on with their lives like this?
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Fluff and Angst, Light Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, can be platonic or romantic you decide, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon's A+ Parenting (Merlin), Sharing a Bed, Literal Sleeping Together, Sleepy Cuddles, Sir Leon the Long Suffering, Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Banter
Language: English
Published: 2020-06-15
Words: 5,354
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 104
Kudos: 6,863
Bookmarks: 838
Hits: 43,569
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
An Exercise in Scaring your Partner
Despite being Gaius' apprentice for years, Merlin has never heard of the concept of 'taking care of himself'. A cough is fine, right? Even when every time you get a cough you also get a bad fever?Seems fine to him.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Sick Merlin (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Fluff, Sickfic, Whump, Merlin is an idiot, Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Established Relationship, Canon Era, Sleepy Cuddles, Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Comfort
Language: English
Published: 2020-06-22
Words: 1,883
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 13
Kudos: 1,250
Bookmarks: 97
Hits: 14,727
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Iseldir (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
I know
Arthur knows about Merlin's magic. He saw it with his own eyes. The question is what to do now. Merlin lied to him. He broke the law. But Merlin loved Arthur, didn't he?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Post-Magic Reveal, Magic Revealed, Arthur Finds Out
Language: English
Published: 2014-10-24
Words: 1,511
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 360
Bookmarks: 40
Hits: 4,974
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Over the Cliff's Edge
“Merlin!” a voice rang out into the distance.“Merlin!” it repeated again, the distressed tone only increasing each time.Arthur had repeated his manservant’s name several times now and so far, he’d gotten no results. Safe to say, he was worrying his princely socks off. He firmly shook Merlin’s shoulder, begging for him to wake up on the inside, but on the outside, he was just shouting his name.“Merlin!” he yelled for the tenth time, the man who lay in front of him not responding.‘Well, of course he wouldn’t,’ the back of Arthur’s mind told him. ‘He’s fallen off a cliff for God’s sake.’ORMerlin falls off a cliff and Arthur learns that it's not the first time this has happened. So, Merlin tells Arthur a tale from when he was a boy.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Implied Merthur, Merthur - Freeform, implied Merlin/Arthur Pendragon - Freeform, Hurt Merlin, Protective Arthur, Whump merlin, Caring Arthur, Concerned Arthur, arlin, tw broken bone, Oneshot, Merthur angst, merthur fluff, Broken Bone, merlin breaks his arm, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon - Freeform, Hunith (Merlin) - Freeform, Merthur hurt/comfort, merthur friendship, Major Character Injury
Language: English
Published: 2020-06-26
Words: 4,547
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 15
Kudos: 754
Bookmarks: 54
Hits: 8,046
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)
Merlin and Arthur finally getting that serotonin
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Art, Drawing, Fan Art
Language: English
Published: 2020-07-02
Words: 7
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 12
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 1,154
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Arthur Pendragon and Merlin Emrys Read Thirst Tweets
Merlin: Hi, I’m Merlin Emrys!Arthur: And I’m Arthur Pendragon. We’re Camelot’s Striker and-Merlin: Camelot’s Goalkeeper!Arthur: And today we’re going to- ehm-Merlin: Read some Thirst Tweets! Here we go!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Thirst Tweets, Alternate Universe - Football, Fluff and Crack, this is pure sheer crack sorry not sorry, Idiots in Love, Crack, Gwaine is still my fave idiot
Language: English
Published: 2020-07-06
Words: 1,453
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 150
Kudos: 2,087
Bookmarks: 95
Hits: 14,675
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)
in a burst of light
this is just a small merlin’s magic reveal that i wrote last night! ft bamf merlin who loves arthur and an arthur who has more than two brain cells
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: BAMF Merlin (Merlin), soft merlin, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), i wrote it on tumblr!!, its the same as my ao3 account if you want to come say hello!!, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, I suck at tags, okay im done, also, Soft Arthur, oh yeah, Canon Era, this is my first fic on ao3 ahhh, id die for murther
Language: English
Published: 2020-07-15
Words: 1,712
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 369
Bookmarks: 30
Hits: 2,991
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)
Scared For You
Merlin felt the golden light fade from his eyes as he looked to Arthur, who was standing mere meters away from him. He didn’t even have to look at the King to feel the expression on his face.No sooner had he looked to the other man; Merlin had frozen on the spot. It was as if the world had stopped at their feet and that he and Arthur were the only two people standing in it.ORMerlin reveals his magic to save Arthur's life in the midst of a battle. Wracked with fear for Arthur, he runs away, and Arthur finds himself unable to let Merlin go.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Merthur - Freeform, Implied Merthur, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Merthur angst, Merthur hurt/comfort, merthur friendship, Friendship, bbc merlin - Freeform, Merlin bbc - Freeform, Merlin hurt/comfort, Merlin Angst, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon - Freeform, Complete, merthur oneshot, Oneshot, merlin oneshot
Language: English
Published: 2020-07-23
Words: 7,232
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 38
Kudos: 1,187
Bookmarks: 129
Hits: 13,740
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon, Merlin Emrys
The King's Daughter
Arthur has been noticing the change in Merlin's behaviour over the past few months. He keeps acting shifty, as if he has something to hide. Eventually, Arthur decides to look into it, and what he finds shocks him.ORThe one where Merlin and Arthur adopt and take care of Aithusa together.(Based on a prompt in my Tumblr inbox)
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Crack, Fluff and Crack, Cute, Adorable, Funny, Hilarious, Jokes, Parenthood, Parent-Child Relationship, Bonding, Family Bonding, Male Bonding, Father-Daughter Relationship, Fatherhood, Two Fathers, Love, Tumblr, Tumblr Prompt, Tumblr Ask Box Fic, Tumblr: otpprompts, Originally Posted on Tumblr, Based on a Tumblr Post, I Blame Tumblr, Freeform, Open to Interpretation
Language: English
Published: 2020-07-27
Words: 921
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 14
Kudos: 310
Bookmarks: 21
Hits: 2,116
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin)
the situation is fraught
another tumblr drabble i did today to the prompt "I...I need to sit down"!arthur, again, uses his brain, and merlin saves him...with a dash of protective lance and gwaine
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Protective Knights (Merlin), Arthur has more than two brain cells ofc, it wouldnt be my fic if arthur wasnt smart and loves merlin with his whole being, also wouldnt be me if merlin wasnt a badass who everyone loves (including me), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), im bad at tagsss, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, id die for merthur, okay i give up enjoy
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-01
Words: 1,537
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 24
Kudos: 751
Bookmarks: 68
Hits: 5,197
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)
Of Course I Care
Merlin has anxiety and it’s a tricky thing to deal with. only Lancelot seems to help. Arthur is tired of feeling helpless. He goes to Lancelot to learn how to help Merlin.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: can be platonic or romantic you decide, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Lancelot (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Anxiety, Anxiety Attacks, Angst with a Happy Ending, Arthur needs help taking care of his smol, Sir Leon the Long Suffering, that tag's funny again!, it's mostly implied tho, everyone ships it
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-05
Words: 2,932
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 48
Kudos: 2,910
Bookmarks: 262
Hits: 22,088
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot/Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Leon & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)
Reversed
Everybody knows about Merlin's magic.Everyone but Merlin.A.N.:// if you have seen this prompt on tumblr by changelink, that's me :)EDIT: Now available in russian: https://ficbook.net/readfic/10942960Thank you so much again, stol27 (ficbook) / 07aker07(insta) for your hard work ^^ :D
Rating: Not Rated
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Crack, Magic, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Gwen Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Morgana Knows about Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin is a Little Shit, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin does not know about Merlin's magic, reversed AU, Humor, Angst, Fluff and Angst, it actually turns quite dramatic later on, I was possessed by a demon, don't blame me, They are forcing me to efüwg#+wek
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-04
Words: 15,907
Chapters: 7/7
Comments: 227
Kudos: 1,481
Bookmarks: 158
Hits: 23,117
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Major Character Death
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-10-02
Tell Me You Lived
A oneshot depicting how Arthur reacts finding out how long Merlin has waited for him.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merthur - Freeform, Reunion, Modern, Angst
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-09
Words: 756
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 189
Bookmarks: 14
Hits: 1,500
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
I've Lost Everything
Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
Arthur and the Knights find out Merlin has magic when he saves them from a bandit attack they were definitely going to lose. Arthur has the nerve to say Merlin knows nothing of loss, and Merlin explodes on him, letting out years worth of pain and suf fering. Arthur , needless to say , is speechless. OR: the one where Merlin finally has a breakdown. Notes I thought about this today and realized how badly I wanted a scene where Merlin finally just let go and let everyone know how much he sacrificed. How he lost everyone who was there for him. So here that is. :) Merlin dropped his outstretched hand back to his sides and felt his golden eyes return to blue. The knights and Arthur looked around in disbelief as they saw all fifty bandits lying unconscious on the ground, the one who was about to deal Arthur a mortal blow lying flat on his back, sword still in hand. Merlin barely had time to breathe out “Arthur” before Excalibur was pointed at his neck. “You’re a sorcerer .” Arthur said, quiet and confused. Merlin tried to nod, but felt the tip of the sword touch him, so he said “yes” instead. Arthur tried to hide the look of outrage, anger , and utter betrayal from his face, but he knew Merlin could see it. He slipped into his kingly mask of indif ference and called out to his knights behind him. “Bind him to that tree and gag him. If he tries to run, kill him.” Merlin’ s eyes widened, but he did not ar gue. The knights drew their eyes away from Merlin to stare at Arthur , shocked he would order such a thing. After a long silence, Leon slowly moved towards Merlin. Merlin simply reached his arms behind his back and walked over to the tree, helping Leon tie himself up. Leon had nothing to gag Merlin with, so Merlin said: “use my neckerchief. If you curl it into a ball it should work.” Leon was confused that Merlin was allowing him to do all this, but he did as suggested, and Merlin was ef fectively gagged. Percival and Elyan stood rooted to the spot, staring at Merlin. Gwaine was staring at Arthur , looking murderous and ready to pounce on the King at any given moment. Arthur was sitting on a log by their long since put out fire, staring into the distance at nothing. He was trying to collect his thoughts; attempting to reconcile the fact that his manservant, his friend and the person he trusted most in the world was a sorcerer , and therefore he was evil. The two things didn’ t connect in his mind, but he had all the evidence right in front of him. Merlin never once took his eyes of f Arthur , trying to figure out what was going on in his head, but the King had closed himself of f, and Merlin couldn’ t read him like he always did. The camp sat in an uncomfortable silence for a long time. Arthur sat staring at nothing, Leon, Percival and Elyan watched Merlin, rethinking everything they had ever known about their friend, and Gwaine sat and watched Arthur unblinking, one hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to jump in to protect Merlin at any moment. The longer Merlin was gagged, the angrier he got. He wanted Arthur to say something. He wanted the sadness and the anger directed at him so he got the chance to say all he had never been able to before. He had to take deep breaths to calm himself down when he felt himself get too agitated. Finally , Arthur spoke up. He couldn’ t even look at Merlin, let alone look him in the eye, but he addressed him anyway . “You’ve betrayed Camelot. Y ou’ve betrayed me. All this time you’ve lied to me and used magic.” Merlin tried to spit the neckerchief out to reply , but he couldn’ t. Arthur kept speaking. “You’ve been my servant for seven years. I trusted you, and you have committed the worst act of treason possible.” The knights were shocked at the venom in Arthur ’s voice as he spat out the words. They had never heard the king that angry , and they never imagined it would be directed at Merlin. “Despite this betrayal,” Merlin felt the first glimmer of hope in hours, “I still believe you have been useful as a servant these years. Therefore, I will not execute you for your crimes.” Merlin knew he should be happy , but the indif ference with which the words were spoken scared him. Arthur continued. “Y ou will stop using magic, and you can continue to be my manservant.” Arthur addressed Leon. “T ake out the gag. Let him speak.” Merlin was angry , but he was also upset. He never expected Arthur to ask him to give up such a part of himself, and he didn’ t even know if he could survive doing such a thing. Leon walked over to Merlin and looked at him with clear apology in his eyes, which confused the warlock. Out of everyone, he expected Leon to react the worst to his magic. Leon removed the neckerchief and Merlin’ s mouth moved before he even had a chance to think about what he was saying. “No.” Arthur finally turned to look at him, eyes narrowed and extremely murderous. “No?” “I will not stop using magic.” “That is your only choice. It’ s that or die.” Arthur felt himself lose conviction as he said the sentence, but he remained firm. Merlin held his head high and stayed put. “I will not. I cannot, stop using magic.” Gwaine felt proud of his friend’ s insistence, while Arthurs carefully created mask of indifference started slipping and he grew irritated. “You can and you will.” “No sire. I cannot.” Arthur bristled at the way Merlin said his title. He had never heard it from Merlin’ s lips when it wasn’ t sarcastic. It sounded wrong. Arthur steeled himself. “Then you will be subject to Camelot’ s laws. Y ou will be tried and executed as a sorcerer , for treason to the King and Crown.” Arthur hoped that would scare Merlin into submission. The other knights looked on, shocked, while Gwaine growled under his breath and started planning an escape route. Merlin laughed humourlessly . “Go ahead Arthur . Take my life. Y ou’ve taken everything else.” Arthur ’s mask slipped again. He wanted to ask what Merlin meant, but he couldn’ t trust anything the sorcerer said. Percival beat him to it. “What do you mean, Merlin?” Percival asked with a softness that Arthur believed Merlin didn’ t deserve. It also hurt more than he expected it to when he watched Merlin’ s eyes soften as he looked at the knights, before hardening once more once he looked at Arthur again. With a deep breath, Merlin launched into what he had been aching to say for years, with a hardness in his tone that surprised even himself. He never dropped eye contact with Arthur as he spoke. “I mean, that I didn’ t choose this life. I didn’ t choose magic. I was born with it. Born with power beyond my comprehension. An ability to do things that aren’ t possible for sorcerers who have studied for a whole lifetime. I came to Camelot to learn control, to get away from a village that saw me as an outcast. What do I get? A position I never wanted in the household of a man who would have me burned just for being born, and the discovery of a destiny that I neither chose nor was able to escape. Do you really think that if I had a choice, I would have chosen this life? Chosen to live my life in fear? Fear of what would happen to me, fear of who and what I am? Y ou have looked me in the eyes for years and told me magic was evil, and I had to sit there and take it because I couldn’ t afford to take the risk of showing you any dif ferent. I didn’ t choose this Arthur , and I am not evil. Neither is magic.” The knights absorbed all that Merlin said, marveling at the power that seemed to be radiating from him. He was so sure of himself, and they couldn’ t understand how they hadn’ t seen it sooner . It felt to them like they were staring at a legend, which by the sound of it, they were. Arthur listened to all that Merlin said, and while he was moved by the words, and he really believed that Merlin was not evil, his father ’s hatred for magic rang through his head and he couldn’ t ignore it. “I have lost so much to magic, Merlin. Even if what you say is true, that’ s not enough to make me believe that magic is not the evil force my father knew it to be. I’ve lost too much.” Merlin scof fed and muttered. “Do not speak to me about loss, Arthur .” Arthur got defensive. “Please. What could you possibly have lost?” “I HA VE LOST EVER YTHING!” Merlin yelled. The knights violently flinched at his volume, while Arthur ’s flinch was almost imperceptible, but it was there, and Merlin noticed. “I have lost everything.” Merlin repeated, much softer . He curled in on himself, not wanting to divulge his pain to the others, but he knew he had to get this out. He had internalized everything for seven years and he could feel the words wanting to spill out. So he started. “My childhood best friend died for you, even though I could have saved him. He died protecting my secret. My best friend in this life, the only person who has ever really , truly known me. The one person who always understood me, who knew when something was wrong, could always tell when I was lying…” Merlin got quieter , almost speaking to himself at that point, and the others strained to hear him. “He sacrificed himself for you so I didn’ t have to.” “Lancelot…” Percival whispered to himself, but the others heard. Merlin looked up at the knight and nodded. He then turned back to Arthur . “He told me that my destiny was greater than his and he sacrificed himself for ME. Not for Gwen, not for you, not for Camelot, for me.” Merlin took a deep breath, and noticed that Arthur ’s resolve seemed to be fading, like he was growing to understand what Merlin had experienced. ‘He’ll never understand’ Merlin thought. “My father died in my arms the day after I met him, by a sword that was intended for me, and you told me that no man was worth my tears.” The knights all gasped, and turned towards Arthur , who looked pale and who’ s mouth was open slightly . “I-I don’ t…” Arthur stuttered. He had no idea what to say . He thought Merlin had never met his father . “And you…” Merlin trailed of f, tearing up. The only person who knew about Freya was Lancelot, and he had only told him once. T alking about her hurt too much. Y et another person he failed to protect. Merlin righted himself, and looked at Arthur with eyes so emotionless it scared the other knights. “The one time I tried to escape my destiny , I was met with a cruel reminder from the gods that I can never have what I want. That I am simply a vessel sent to carry out their will, set with a burden too heavy for one man to bear . I fell in love. W e were going to run away; go live by a lake with mountains and flowers and escape our troubles and our responsibilities. It was the only time I tried to forsake my duties and do something selfish. What happened? She was cursed, you killed her , and I had to clean her blood of f your sword the next day .” As Merlin finished, he cast his eyes away from the pitying faces of the knights, away from Arthur , who looked like he had been struck, and up to the sky , blinking away his tears. “Merlin I…” Arthur had no idea what to say . How had he not known that? How had he never recognized that Merlin was hurting in such a way? “I have lost everything Arthur . And the thing is, I can’ t even blame you. She was cursed, and she was hurting the people of Camelot. Y ou did what you had to do. Y ou didn’ t know it was my father in my arms, so you tried to comfort me with those words. I didn’ t blame you for any of those things then, and I don’ t blame you now . There is no one to blame but myself. It was me who failed to protect and save them.” The knights were shocked. They couldn’ t believe that Merlin blamed himself for everything. If anything, his words solidified to them that he was good, much better than they all thought. He was the strongest man they had ever met. “I know the law Arthur . But I will not apologize for using magic to protect you and Camelot. I am sorry I lied to you. I tried to tell you so many times. In the beginning, I knew it would get me killed, then, when we became friends, I didn’ t want to force you to have to choose between me and your father . Then once you became king…” Merlin trailed of f, not knowing what to say . He finally decided on. “I was scared. I had lived my entire life in hiding and it was just easier to stay that way .” “I don’ t know what to say” Arthur stated. “Let me make it easy for you. I have never had a choice. I was told of my destiny , told that I couldn’ t escape it, and told that I essentially had the weight of all of Albion on my shoulders. Honestly , if I had the choice, I would choose to protect you. All of you. Y ou’re my friends.” The knights allowed themselves to be grateful for that while he continued. “But the fact is, I never actually had a choice. Everything I do, even to avoid fate, seems to cause it. So I am going to give you the luxury of a choice Arthur . You either kill me, or I come back to Camelot and continue to protect you. I’m not asking for anything. I’m not asking for recognition, that’ s never why I did it. I’m not even asking to be anything other than what I already was. I’m simply providing you with your options. Kill me here and now , or I continue to serve you. I will not leave Camelot. I have sacrificed too much just to give up now and not see this through. The only thing I have left to give is my life. I've lost everything...everyone else.” Arthur was speechless. He sat there, staring at his friend, mouth opening and closing because he had no idea what to say . Before he got a chance to say anything, Gwaine spoke. “If you kill him, you lose me.” Merlin turned to look at Gwaine sharply , went to shake his head and tell him not to do anything stupid, but he held his hand up to stop him. Gwaine looked at Merlin. “I was your friend before I was his knight. I saved his life because of you. I came to Camelot because of you. I became a knight because of you, Merlin.” He emphasized ‘you’. “I will not serve a king who does you harm.” Merlin allowed himself to enjoy the warm feeling that formed in his chest at his friend’ s loyalty . He gave Gwaine a small smile, a real one, and the knight replied with one of his rare sincere smiles. “You lose me too.” Percival stood up to make his point. Merlin looked surprised. Percival continued. “While Lancelot and I travelled together , before we came to Camelot, he spoke of Merlin often. He said that Merlin had saved Camelot more times than he could count, and that he was special. V ery special. That he was kind and compassionate and Arthur was incredibly lucky to have him. Of course he never told me how Merlin saved Camelot, or how he was special, but that’ s clear to me now .” The lar ge knight gave Merlin a small smile as he addressed him. “He believed in you, and now that I know you, now that I am lucky enough to consider you my friend, I believe in you too.” Merlin teared up at Percival’ s words, not used to so many sentences coming from him at once. Elyan spoke next. “And me. Merlin protected Gwen. Protected her when I was too much of a coward to come home. Knowing what I know now I’m assuming it was you who cured our father of the sickness that hit Camelot.” Merlin nodded. “I couldn’ t let him die knowing I could save him. I didn’ t want to see Gwen heartbroken.” Elyan continued. “And you confessed to sorcery in Gwen’ s place.” “I wasn’ t going to let her die.” Merlin said with the determination of one who is fiercely protective and caring. Elyan nodded, satisfied. He turned back to Arthur . “If he dies, I am no longer a knight of Camelot.” Arthur listened to his best knights’ testimonies, waiting with bated breath for what Leon would say . The others, to an extent, he knew were there because of Merlin, but Leon had been loyal to him first. He wanted his opinion. Merlin wasn’ t expecting much, but no one predicted what would leave the First Knight’ s mouth. “Y ou will lose me too, sire.” Merlin’ s jaw dropped open, as did Gwaine’ s. Elyan and Percival looked on at their friend, proud. Arthur gestured for Leon to continue. “I used to pride myself on being the person who was most loyal to you, sire. The man who would give his life for yours without hesitation. Until Merlin. I apologize for saying it, but seven years ago, you were arrogant. Y ou were self- absorbed, ignorant of many things, and you were, by all accounts, a prat.” Merlin tried to hide his snort. Gwaine was less successful. Arthur couldn’ t believe what he was hearing, and Leon looked shocked that he had let such a thing out. He continued. “Merlin turned you into a great Prince and King, but an even better man. Y ou are kind and caring. Y ou listen to the plights of your people and you treat all with respect. I do believe Merlin caused these changes in you. I have never met a person more loyal in my life. And if it were to be anyone who could be more loyal to you than I, I am glad it is Merlin. There is not a doubt in my mind that he is good.” Leon turned to smile at Merlin, who replied with a smile so bright and sincere that it actually made Arthur feel better . Leon looked back at Arthur . “If he is as powerful as I believe he probably is, killing him would be killing Camelot’ s greatest defender . I will not serve a King who makes such a decision. Furthermore, I would not serve a King who harms a loyal friend such as Merlin.” Merlin didn’ t say it, but Leon seeing him as more than a weapon, seeing him as a friend first, sorcerer second, that felt better than he could ever describe. “My life was saved by magic Arthur , I have seen firsthand the good it can do.” Leon said. He then asked a question. “Merlin, how many times have you saved Arthur ’s life? Using magic, or otherwise.” “Honestly? I lost count after my first couple months in Camelot.” Merlin said. Arthur looked shocked. “And what do you use the magic for?” Leon was asking the questions, but he never took his eyes of f Arthur . He was standing as the bridge between them. Filling the gaps he knew Arthur wanted but would never ask for himself. “Small things, sometimes. Like when I have one of my ‘funny feelings’ on patrol, it’ s actually my magic sensing that something is wrong. It’ s why I’m always right.” Arthur scof fed before he could stop himself. ‘Not always.’ He muttered under his breath. Merlin gave him a mock glare, but he felt better already . “Anything else?” “I help with bandit attacks. Knocking people over , hitting them with tree branches, making them drop their swords, things like that.” Gwaine laughed. “I knew there shouldn’ t be so many loose tree branches!” Merlin laughed too. “What else have you done Merlin?” Leon was pushing because he knew Merlin must do so much more. Merlin sobered. “I killed the grif fin, with Lancelot’ s help. I defeated the afanc. I killed Nimueh. I defeated Cornelius Sigan. I defeated the Knights of Medhir . I defeated Mor gana’ s immortal army . Any creature that we were told could only be defeated by magic, that was me. Oh! And this.” At that, Merlin created the blue ball of light that guided Arthur ’s way when had been trapped by Nimueh. Arthur gasped. “That was you? But you were dying.” Merlin shrugged. “Gaius told me that I was speaking to you in my sleep, like I could see that you were in danger . Then apparently I conjured the light. Even when I’m dying I’m protecting you.” Merlin joked weakly . Arthur shook his head. “So it’ s you I owe Camelot to.” Arthur said. “Have any of my accomplishments in the last seven years actually been my own?” “They are yours Arthur . I simply helped.” Arthur snorted. “Helped.” Merlin shrugged. Arthur remembered that he was supposed to be angry , and his face hardened again. He tried not to let himself break at the way he saw Merlin’ s face fall. “I need to know everything, Merlin. From the second you arrived in Camelot to now . Everything.” Arthur said. “There’ s a lot you aren’ t going to like. I’ve made mistakes. But those are not the failings of magic, only the failings of me. Please remember that.” Arthur nodded and Merlin spoke again. “Does this mean you’ve made your decision?” Arthur , upon listening to Merlin talk for so long, had for gotten there was a choice to be made. “Decision?” Merlin rolled his eyes. “I gave you two options. Have you decided between them?” Ah. Arthur remembered. He didn’ t let himself get too angry at the way all of his knights straightened and slightly shifted in between him and Merlin. “I have.” “And?” “And even if you hadn’ t done all of that, I couldn’ t have killed you. Y ou can come back to Camelot. Good manservants are hard to come by .” Merlin smiled then, and Arthur had a feeling that everything was going to be alright. “Merlin?” “Yeah?” “Did you only stay because this is supposedly your destiny?” Arthur asked, feigning indifference, but Merlin could hear the insecurities in his question. “No. I told you. Y ou’re my friend. In the beginning, yes, but eventually I saw the man you had become and the king you would be. I wanted to help you get there.” Arthur smiled and then joked: “Ah yes, the man you apparently made me. Isn’ t that right, Sir Leon?” The knight had the decency to look sheepish, but the others laughing let him know that Arthur wasn’ t actually upset. Leon shrugged. “Y ou know I’m right.” Arthur sighed and then said: “Y es I suppose you are.” Merlin chuckled. “I’ll tell you all everything. No more secrets.” Arthur nodded. “I’m sorry for those you have lost Merlin. I am especially sorry about your lost love.” “Freya. Her name was Freya.” Arthur smiled slightly . “A beautiful name.” “Yeah, she was.” Merlin said, more to himself than anyone else. Merlin plastered on a fake grin, one that Arthur had seen a hundred times before, and he cursed himself for never having realized how false it was. He had let himself be placated by that face before, but he never would again. Merlin readied himself to tell them of everything he had done. “W ell my friends, I believe it’ s time for a story .” Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Not Rated Archive W arning: Creator Chose Not T o Use Archive W arnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round T able & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Lancelot (Mentioned) Additional T ags: Post-Magic Reveal, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Protective Gwaine (Merlin), Protective Knights (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), angry!merlin, Merlin finally explodes, lord knows he needed it, platonic or romantic, can be seen as both, Alternate Universe - Canon Diver gence, BAMF Leon, leon calls arthur out on his shit, leon also calls arthur a prat! Language: English Collections: Merlin, Forcamelot, TDH Merlin, bitesize fics Stats: Published: 2020-08-10 Words: 3, 893 Chapters: 1/1 I've Lost Everything by simpleficgirl Summary Arthur and the Knights find out Merlin has magic when he saves them from a bandit attack they were definitely going to lose. Arthur has the nerve to say Merlin knows nothing of loss, and Merlin explodes on him, letting out years worth of pain and suf fering. Arthur, needless to say, is speechless. OR: the one where Merlin finally has a breakdown. Notes I thought about this today and realized how badly I wanted a scene where Merlin finally just let go and let everyone know how much he sacrificed. How he lost everyone who was there for him. So here that is. :) Merlin dropped his outstretched hand back to his sides and felt his golden eyes return to blue. The knights and Arthur looked around in disbelief as they saw all fifty bandits lying unconscious on the ground, the one who was about to deal Arthur a mortal blow lying flat on his back, sword still in hand. Merlin barely had time to breathe out “Arthur” before Excalibur was pointed at his neck. “You’re a sorcerer .” Arthur said, quiet and confused. Merlin tried to nod, but felt the tip of the sword touch him, so he said “yes” instead. Arthur tried to hide the look of outrage, anger, and utter betrayal from his face, but he knew Merlin could see it. He slipped into his kingly mask of indif ference and called out to his knights behind him. “Bind him to that tree and gag him. If he tries to run, kill him.” Merlin’ s eyes widened, but he did not ar gue. The knights drew their eyes away from Merlin to stare at Arthur, shocked he would order such a thing. After a long silence, Leon slowly moved towards Merlin. Merlin simply reached his arms behind his back and walked over to the tree, helping Leon tie himself up. Leon had nothing to gag Merlin with, so Merlin said: “use my neckerchief. If you curl it into a ball it should work.” Leon was confused that Merlin was allowing him to do all this, but he did as suggested, and Merlin was ef fectively gagged. Percival and Elyan stood rooted to the spot, staring at Merlin. Gwaine was staring at Arthur, looking murderous and ready to pounce on the King at any given moment. Arthur was sitting on a log by their long since put out fire, staring into the distance at nothing. He was trying to collect his thoughts; attempting to reconcile the fact that his manservant, his friend and the person he trusted most in the world was a sorcerer, and therefore he was evil. The two things didn’ t connect in his mind, but he had all the evidence right in front of him. Merlin never once took his eyes of f Arthur, trying to figure out what was going on in his head, but the King had closed himself of f, and Merlin couldn’ t read him like he always did. The camp sat in an uncomfortable silence for a long time. Arthur sat staring at nothing, Leon, Percival and Elyan watched Merlin, rethinking everything they had ever known about their friend, and Gwaine sat and watched Arthur unblinking, one hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to jump in to protect Merlin at any moment. The longer Merlin was gagged, the angrier he got. He wanted Arthur to say something. He wanted the sadness and the anger directed at him so he got the chance to say all he had never been able to before. He had to take deep breaths to calm himself down when he felt himself get too agitated. Finally, Arthur spoke up. He couldn’ t even look at Merlin, let alone look him in the eye, but he addressed him anyway . “You’ve betrayed Camelot. Y ou’ve betrayed me. All this time you’ve lied to me and used magic.” Merlin tried to spit the neckerchief out to reply, but he couldn’ t. Arthur kept speaking. “You’ve been my servant for seven years. I trusted you, and you have committed the worst act of treason possible.” The knights were shocked at the venom in Arthur ’s voice as he spat out the words. They had never heard the king that angry, and they never imagined it would be directed at Merlin. “Despite this betrayal, ” Merlin felt the first glimmer of hope in hours, “I still believe you have been useful as a servant these years. Therefore, I will not execute you for your crimes.” Merlin knew he should be happy, but the indif ference with which the words were spoken scared him. Arthur continued. “Y ou will stop using magic, and you can continue to be my manservant.” Arthur addressed Leon. “T ake out the gag. Let him speak.” Merlin was angry, but he was also upset. He never expected Arthur to ask him to give up such a part of himself, and he didn’ t even know if he could survive doing such a thing. Leon walked over to Merlin and looked at him with clear apology in his eyes, which confused the warlock. Out of everyone, he expected Leon to react the worst to his magic. Leon removed the neckerchief and Merlin’ s mouth moved before he even had a chance to think about what he was saying. “No.” Arthur finally turned to look at him, eyes narrowed and extremely murderous. “No?” “I will not stop using magic.” “That is your only choice. It’ s that or die.” Arthur felt himself lose conviction as he said the sentence, but he remained firm. Merlin held his head high and stayed put. “I will not. I cannot, stop using magic.” Gwaine felt proud of his friend’ s insistence, while Arthurs carefully created mask of indifference started slipping and he grew irritated. “You can and you will.” “No sire. I cannot.” Arthur bristled at the way Merlin said his title. He had never heard it from Merlin’ s lips when it wasn’ t sarcastic. It sounded wrong. Arthur steeled himself. “Then you will be subject to Camelot’ s laws. Y ou will be tried and executed as a sorcerer, for treason to the King and Crown.” Arthur hoped that would scare Merlin into submission. The other knights looked on, shocked, while Gwaine growled under his breath and started planning an escape route. Merlin laughed humourlessly . “Go ahead Arthur . Take my life. Y ou’ve taken everything else.” Arthur ’s mask slipped again. He wanted to ask what Merlin meant, but he couldn’ t trust anything the sorcerer said. Percival beat him to it. “What do you mean, Merlin?” Percival asked with a softness that Arthur believed Merlin didn’ t deserve. It also hurt more than he expected it to when he watched Merlin’ s eyes soften as he looked at the knights, before hardening once more once he looked at Arthur again. With a deep breath, Merlin launched into what he had been aching to say for years, with a hardness in his tone that surprised even himself. He never dropped eye contact with Arthur as he spoke. “I mean, that I didn’ t choose this life. I didn’ t choose magic. I was born with it. Born with power beyond my comprehension. An ability to do things that aren’ t possible for sorcerers who have studied for a whole lifetime. I came to Camelot to learn control, to get away from a village that saw me as an outcast. What do I get? A position I never wanted in the household of a man who would have me burned just for being born, and the discovery of a destiny that I neither chose nor was able to escape. Do you really think that if I had a choice, I would have chosen this life? Chosen to live my life in fear? Fear of what would happen to me, fear of who and what I am? Y ou have looked me in the eyes for years and told me magic was evil, and I had to sit there and take it because I couldn’ t afford to take the risk of showing you any dif ferent. I didn’ t choose this Arthur, and I am not evil. Neither is magic.” The knights absorbed all that Merlin said, marveling at the power that seemed to be radiating from him. He was so sure of himself, and they couldn’ t understand how they hadn’ t seen it sooner . It felt to them like they were staring at a legend, which by the sound of it, they were. Arthur listened to all that Merlin said, and while he was moved by the words, and he really believed that Merlin was not evil, his father ’s hatred for magic rang through his head and he couldn’ t ignore it. “I have lost so much to magic, Merlin. Even if what you say is true, that’ s not enough to make me believe that magic is not the evil force my father knew it to be. I’ve lost too much.” Merlin scof fed and muttered. “Do not speak to me about loss, Arthur .” Arthur got defensive. “Please. What could you possibly have lost?” “I HA VE LOST EVER YTHING!” Merlin yelled. The knights violently flinched at his volume, while Arthur ’s flinch was almost imperceptible, but it was there, and Merlin noticed. “I have lost everything.” Merlin repeated, much softer . He curled in on himself, not wanting to divulge his pain to the others, but he knew he had to get this out. He had internalized everything for seven years and he could feel the words wanting to spill out. So he started. “My childhood best friend died for you, even though I could have saved him. He died protecting my secret. My best friend in this life, the only person who has ever really, truly known me. The one person who always understood me, who knew when something was wrong, could always tell when I was lying…” Merlin got quieter, almost speaking to himself at that point, and the others strained to hear him. “He sacrificed himself for you so I didn’ t have to.” “Lancelot…” Percival whispered to himself, but the others heard. Merlin looked up at the knight and nodded. He then turned back to Arthur . “He told me that my destiny was greater than his and he sacrificed himself for ME. Not for Gwen, not for you, not for Camelot, for me.” Merlin took a deep breath, and noticed that Arthur ’s resolve seemed to be fading, like he was growing to understand what Merlin had experienced. ‘He’ll never understand’ Merlin thought. “My father died in my arms the day after I met him, by a sword that was intended for me, and you told me that no man was worth my tears.” The knights all gasped, and turned towards Arthur, who looked pale and who’ s mouth was open slightly . “I-I don’ t…” Arthur stuttered. He had no idea what to say . He thought Merlin had never met his father . “And you…” Merlin trailed of f, tearing up. The only person who knew about Freya was Lancelot, and he had only told him once. T alking about her hurt too much. Y et another person he failed to protect. Merlin righted himself, and looked at Arthur with eyes so emotionless it scared the other knights. “The one time I tried to escape my destiny, I was met with a cruel reminder from the gods that I can never have what I want. That I am simply a vessel sent to carry out their will, set with a burden too heavy for one man to bear . I fell in love. W e were going to run away; go live by a lake with mountains and flowers and escape our troubles and our responsibilities. It was the only time I tried to forsake my duties and do something selfish. What happened? She was cursed, you killed her, and I had to clean her blood of f your sword the next day .” As Merlin finished, he cast his eyes away from the pitying faces of the knights, away from Arthur, who looked like he had been struck, and up to the sky, blinking away his tears. “Merlin I…” Arthur had no idea what to say . How had he not known that? How had he never recognized that Merlin was hurting in such a way? “I have lost everything Arthur . And the thing is, I can’ t even blame you. She was cursed, and she was hurting the people of Camelot. Y ou did what you had to do. Y ou didn’ t know it was my father in my arms, so you tried to comfort me with those words. I didn’ t blame you for any of those things then, and I don’ t blame you now . There is no one to blame but myself. It was me who failed to protect and save them.” The knights were shocked. They couldn’ t believe that Merlin blamed himself for everything. If anything, his words solidified to them that he was good, much better than they all thought. He was the strongest man they had ever met. “I know the law Arthur . But I will not apologize for using magic to protect you and Camelot. I am sorry I lied to you. I tried to tell you so many times. In the beginning, I knew it would get me killed, then, when we became friends, I didn’ t want to force you to have to choose between me and your father . Then once you became king…” Merlin trailed of f, not knowing what to say . He finally decided on. “I was scared. I had lived my entire life in hiding and it was just easier to stay that way .” “I don’ t know what to say” Arthur stated. “Let me make it easy for you. I have never had a choice. I was told of my destiny, told that I couldn’ t escape it, and told that I essentially had the weight of all of Albion on my shoulders. Honestly, if I had the choice, I would choose to protect you. All of you. Y ou’re my friends.” The knights allowed themselves to be grateful for that while he continued. “But the fact is, I never actually had a choice. Everything I do, even to avoid fate, seems to cause it. So I am going to give you the luxury of a choice Arthur . You either kill me, or I come back to Camelot and continue to protect you. I’m not asking for anything. I’m not asking for recognition, that’ s never why I did it. I’m not even asking to be anything other than what I already was. I’m simply providing you with your options. Kill me here and now, or I continue to serve you. I will not leave Camelot. I have sacrificed too much just to give up now and not see this through. The only thing I have left to give is my life. I've lost everything...everyone else.” Arthur was speechless. He sat there, staring at his friend, mouth opening and closing because he had no idea what to say . Before he got a chance to say anything, Gwaine spoke. “If you kill him, you lose me.” Merlin turned to look at Gwaine sharply, went to shake his head and tell him not to do anything stupid, but he held his hand up to stop him. Gwaine looked at Merlin. “I was your friend before I was his knight. I saved his life because of you. I came to Camelot because of you. I became a knight because of you, Merlin.” He emphasized ‘you’. “I will not serve a king who does you harm.” Merlin allowed himself to enjoy the warm feeling that formed in his chest at his friend’ s loyalty . He gave Gwaine a small smile, a real one, and the knight replied with one of his rare sincere smiles. “You lose me too.” Percival stood up to make his point. Merlin looked surprised. Percival continued. “While Lancelot and I travelled together, before we came to Camelot, he spoke of Merlin often. He said that Merlin had saved Camelot more times than he could count, and that he was special. V ery special. That he was kind and compassionate and Arthur was incredibly lucky to have him. Of course he never told me how Merlin saved Camelot, or how he was special, but that’ s clear to me now .” The lar ge knight gave Merlin a small smile as he addressed him. “He believed in you, and now that I know you, now that I am lucky enough to consider you my friend, I believe in you too.” Merlin teared up at Percival’ s words, not used to so many sentences coming from him at once. Elyan spoke next. “And me. Merlin protected Gwen. Protected her when I was too much of a coward to come home. Knowing what I know now I’m assuming it was you who cured our father of the sickness that hit Camelot.” Merlin nodded. “I couldn’ t let him die knowing I could save him. I didn’ t want to see Gwen heartbroken.” Elyan continued. “And you confessed to sorcery in Gwen’ s place.” “I wasn’ t going to let her die.” Merlin said with the determination of one who is fiercely protective and caring. Elyan nodded, satisfied. He turned back to Arthur . “If he dies, I am no longer a knight of Camelot.” Arthur listened to his best knights’ testimonies, waiting with bated breath for what Leon would say . The others, to an extent, he knew were there because of Merlin, but Leon had been loyal to him first. He wanted his opinion. Merlin wasn’ t expecting much, but no one predicted what would leave the First Knight’ s mouth. “Y ou will lose me too, sire.” Merlin’ s jaw dropped open, as did Gwaine’ s. Elyan and Percival looked on at their friend, proud. Arthur gestured for Leon to continue. “I used to pride myself on being the person who was most loyal to you, sire. The man who would give his life for yours without hesitation. Until Merlin. I apologize for saying it, but seven years ago, you were arrogant. Y ou were self- absorbed, ignorant of many things, and you were, by all accounts, a prat.” Merlin tried to hide his snort. Gwaine was less successful. Arthur couldn’ t believe what he was hearing, and Leon looked shocked that he had let such a thing out. He continued. “Merlin turned you into a great Prince and King, but an even better man. Y ou are kind and caring. Y ou listen to the plights of your people and you treat all with respect. I do believe Merlin caused these changes in you. I have never met a person more loyal in my life. And if it were to be anyone who could be more loyal to you than I, I am glad it is Merlin. There is not a doubt in my mind that he is good.” Leon turned to smile at Merlin, who replied with a smile so bright and sincere that it actually made Arthur feel better . Leon looked back at Arthur . “If he is as powerful as I believe he probably is, killing him would be killing Camelot’ s greatest defender . I will not serve a King who makes such a decision. Furthermore, I would not serve a King who harms a loyal friend such as Merlin.” Merlin didn’ t say it, but Leon seeing him as more than a weapon, seeing him as a friend first, sorcerer second, that felt better than he could ever describe. “My life was saved by magic Arthur, I have seen firsthand the good it can do.” Leon said. He then asked a question. “Merlin, how many times have you saved Arthur ’s life? Using magic, or otherwise.” “Honestly? I lost count after my first couple months in Camelot.” Merlin said. Arthur looked shocked. “And what do you use the magic for?” Leon was asking the questions, but he never took his eyes of f Arthur . He was standing as the bridge between them. Filling the gaps he knew Arthur wanted but would never ask for himself. “Small things, sometimes. Like when I have one of my ‘funny feelings’ on patrol, it’ s actually my magic sensing that something is wrong. It’ s why I’m always right.” Arthur scof fed before he could stop himself. ‘Not always.’ He muttered under his breath. Merlin gave him a mock glare, but he felt better already . “Anything else?” “I help with bandit attacks. Knocking people over, hitting them with tree branches, making them drop their swords, things like that.” Gwaine laughed. “I knew there shouldn’ t be so many loose tree branches!” Merlin laughed too. “What else have you done Merlin?” Leon was pushing because he knew Merlin must do so much more. Merlin sobered. “I killed the grif fin, with Lancelot’ s help. I defeated the afanc. I killed Nimueh. I defeated Cornelius Sigan. I defeated the Knights of Medhir . I defeated Mor gana’ s immortal army . Any creature that we were told could only be defeated by magic, that was me. Oh! And this.” At that, Merlin created the blue ball of light that guided Arthur ’s way when had been trapped by Nimueh. Arthur gasped. “That was you? But you were dying.” Merlin shrugged. “Gaius told me that I was speaking to you in my sleep, like I could see that you were in danger . Then apparently I conjured the light. Even when I’m dying I’m protecting you.” Merlin joked weakly . Arthur shook his head. “So it’ s you I owe Camelot to.” Arthur said. “Have any of my accomplishments in the last seven years actually been my own?” “They are yours Arthur . I simply helped.” Arthur snorted. “Helped.” Merlin shrugged. Arthur remembered that he was supposed to be angry, and his face hardened again. He tried not to let himself break at the way he saw Merlin’ s face fall. “I need to know everything, Merlin. From the second you arrived in Camelot to now . Everything.” Arthur said. “There’ s a lot you aren’ t going to like. I’ve made mistakes. But those are not the failings of magic, only the failings of me. Please remember that.” Arthur nodded and Merlin spoke again. “Does this mean you’ve made your decision?” Arthur, upon listening to Merlin talk for so long, had for gotten there was a choice to be made. “Decision?” Merlin rolled his eyes. “I gave you two options. Have you decided between them?” Ah. Arthur remembered. He didn’ t let himself get too angry at the way all of his knights straightened and slightly shifted in between him and Merlin. “I have.” “And?” “And even if you hadn’ t done all of that, I couldn’ t have killed you. Y ou can come back to Camelot. Good manservants are hard to come by .” Merlin smiled then, and Arthur had a feeling that everything was going to be alright. “Merlin?” “Yeah?” “Did you only stay because this is supposedly your destiny?” Arthur asked, feigning indifference, but Merlin could hear the insecurities in his question. “No. I told you. Y ou’re my friend. In the beginning, yes, but eventually I saw the man you had become and the king you would be. I wanted to help you get there.” Arthur smiled and then joked: “Ah yes, the man you apparently made me. Isn’ t that right, Sir Leon?” The knight had the decency to look sheepish, but the others laughing let him know that Arthur wasn’ t actually upset. Leon shrugged. “Y ou know I’m right.” Arthur sighed and then said: “Y es I suppose you are.” Merlin chuckled. “I’ll tell you all everything. No more secrets.” Arthur nodded. “I’m sorry for those you have lost Merlin. I am especially sorry about your lost love.” “Freya. Her name was Freya.” Arthur smiled slightly . “A beautiful name.” “Yeah, she was.” Merlin said, more to himself than anyone else. Merlin plastered on a fake grin, one that Arthur had seen a hundred times before, and he cursed himself for never having realized how false it was. He had let himself be placated by that face before, but he never would again. Merlin readied himself to tell them of everything he had done. “W ell my friends, I believe it’ s time for a story .” Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Language: English Collections: Merlin , Forcamelot , TDH Merlin , bitesize fics
Published: 2020-08-10 Words: 3,893 Chapters: 1/1 I've Lost Everything by simpleficgirl Summary Arthur and the Knights find out Merlin has magic when he saves them from a bandit attack they were definitely going to lose. Arthur has the nerve to say Merlin knows nothing of loss, and Merlin explodes on him, letting out years worth of pain and suf fering. Arthur , needless to say , is speechless. OR: the one where Merlin finally has a breakdown. Notes I thought about this today and realized how badly I wanted a scene where Merlin finally just let go and let everyone know how much he sacrificed. How he lost everyone who was there for him. So here that is. :) Merlin dropped his outstretched hand back to his sides and felt his golden eyes return to blue. The knights and Arthur looked around in disbelief as they saw all fifty bandits lying unconscious on the ground, the one who was about to deal Arthur a mortal blow lying flat on his back, sword still in hand. Merlin barely had time to breathe out “Arthur” before Excalibur was pointed at his neck. “You’re a sorcerer .” Arthur said, quiet and confused. Merlin tried to nod, but felt the tip of the sword touch him, so he said “yes” instead. Arthur tried to hide the look of outrage, anger , and utter betrayal from his face, but he knew Merlin could see it. He slipped into his kingly mask of indif ference and called out to his knights behind him. “Bind him to that tree and gag him. If he tries to run, kill him.” Merlin’ s eyes widened, but he did not ar gue. The knights drew their eyes away from Merlin to stare at Arthur , shocked he would order such a thing. After a long silence, Leon slowly moved towards Merlin. Merlin simply reached his arms behind his back and walked over to the tree, helping Leon tie himself up. Leon had nothing to gag Merlin with, so Merlin said: “use my neckerchief. If you curl it into a ball it should work.” Leon was confused that Merlin was allowing him to do all this, but he did as suggested, and Merlin was ef fectively gagged. Percival and Elyan stood rooted to the spot, staring at Merlin. Gwaine was staring at Arthur , looking murderous and ready to pounce on the King at any given moment. Arthur was sitting on a log by their long since put out fire, staring into the distance at nothing. He was trying to collect his thoughts; attempting to reconcile the fact that his manservant, his friend and the person he trusted most in the world was a sorcerer , and therefore he was evil. The two things didn’ t connect in his mind, but he had all the evidence right in front of him. Merlin never once took his eyes of f Arthur , trying to figure out what was going on in his head, but the King had closed himself of f, and Merlin couldn’ t read him like he always did. The camp sat in an uncomfortable silence for a long time. Arthur sat staring at nothing, Leon, Percival and Elyan watched Merlin, rethinking everything they had ever known about their friend, and Gwaine sat and watched Arthur unblinking, one hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to jump in to protect Merlin at any moment. The longer Merlin was gagged, the angrier he got. He wanted Arthur to say something. He wanted the sadness and the anger directed at him so he got the chance to say all he had never been able to before. He had to take deep breaths to calm himself down when he felt himself get too agitated. Finally , Arthur spoke up. He couldn’ t even look at Merlin, let alone look him in the eye, but he addressed him anyway . “You’ve betrayed Camelot. Y ou’ve betrayed me. All this time you’ve lied to me and used magic.” Merlin tried to spit the neckerchief out to reply , but he couldn’ t. Arthur kept speaking. “You’ve been my servant for seven years. I trusted you, and you have committed the worst act of treason possible.” The knights were shocked at the venom in Arthur ’s voice as he spat out the words. They had never heard the king that angry , and they never imagined it would be directed at Merlin. “Despite this betrayal,” Merlin felt the first glimmer of hope in hours, “I still believe you have been useful as a servant these years. Therefore, I will not execute you for your crimes.” Merlin knew he should be happy , but the indif ference with which the words were spoken scared him. Arthur continued. “Y ou will stop using magic, and you can continue to be my manservant.” Arthur addressed Leon. “T ake out the gag. Let him speak.” Merlin was angry , but he was also upset. He never expected Arthur to ask him to give up such a part of himself, and he didn’ t even know if he could survive doing such a thing. Leon walked over to Merlin and looked at him with clear apology in his eyes, which confused the warlock. Out of everyone, he expected Leon to react the worst to his magic. Leon removed the neckerchief and Merlin’ s mouth moved before he even had a chance to think about what he was saying. “No.” Arthur finally turned to look at him, eyes narrowed and extremely murderous. “No?” “I will not stop using magic.” “That is your only choice. It’ s that or die.” Arthur felt himself lose conviction as he said the sentence, but he remained firm. Merlin held his head high and stayed put. “I will not. I cannot, stop using magic.” Gwaine felt proud of his friend’ s insistence, while Arthurs carefully created mask of indifference started slipping and he grew irritated. “You can and you will.” “No sire. I cannot.” Arthur bristled at the way Merlin said his title. He had never heard it from Merlin’ s lips when it wasn’ t sarcastic. It sounded wrong. Arthur steeled himself. “Then you will be subject to Camelot’ s laws. Y ou will be tried and executed as a sorcerer , for treason to the King and Crown.” Arthur hoped that would scare Merlin into submission. The other knights looked on, shocked, while Gwaine growled under his breath and started planning an escape route. Merlin laughed humourlessly . “Go ahead Arthur . Take my life. Y ou’ve taken everything else.” Arthur ’s mask slipped again. He wanted to ask what Merlin meant, but he couldn’ t trust anything the sorcerer said. Percival beat him to it. “What do you mean, Merlin?” Percival asked with a softness that Arthur believed Merlin didn’ t deserve. It also hurt more than he expected it to when he watched Merlin’ s eyes soften as he looked at the knights, before hardening once more once he looked at Arthur again. With a deep breath, Merlin launched into what he had been aching to say for years, with a hardness in his tone that surprised even himself. He never dropped eye contact with Arthur as he spoke. “I mean, that I didn’ t choose this life. I didn’ t choose magic. I was born with it. Born with power beyond my comprehension. An ability to do things that aren’ t possible for sorcerers who have studied for a whole lifetime. I came to Camelot to learn control, to get away from a village that saw me as an outcast. What do I get? A position I never wanted in the household of a man who would have me burned just for being born, and the discovery of a destiny that I neither chose nor was able to escape. Do you really think that if I had a choice, I would have chosen this life? Chosen to live my life in fear? Fear of what would happen to me, fear of who and what I am? Y ou have looked me in the eyes for years and told me magic was evil, and I had to sit there and take it because I couldn’ t afford to take the risk of showing you any dif ferent. I didn’ t choose this Arthur , and I am not evil. Neither is magic.” The knights absorbed all that Merlin said, marveling at the power that seemed to be radiating from him. He was so sure of himself, and they couldn’ t understand how they hadn’ t seen it sooner . It felt to them like they were staring at a legend, which by the sound of it, they were. Arthur listened to all that Merlin said, and while he was moved by the words, and he really believed that Merlin was not evil, his father ’s hatred for magic rang through his head and he couldn’ t ignore it. “I have lost so much to magic, Merlin. Even if what you say is true, that’ s not enough to make me believe that magic is not the evil force my father knew it to be. I’ve lost too much.” Merlin scof fed and muttered. “Do not speak to me about loss, Arthur .” Arthur got defensive. “Please. What could you possibly have lost?” “I HA VE LOST EVER YTHING!” Merlin yelled. The knights violently flinched at his volume, while Arthur ’s flinch was almost imperceptible, but it was there, and Merlin noticed. “I have lost everything.” Merlin repeated, much softer . He curled in on himself, not wanting to divulge his pain to the others, but he knew he had to get this out. He had internalized everything for seven years and he could feel the words wanting to spill out. So he started. “My childhood best friend died for you, even though I could have saved him. He died protecting my secret. My best friend in this life, the only person who has ever really , truly known me. The one person who always understood me, who knew when something was wrong, could always tell when I was lying…” Merlin got quieter , almost speaking to himself at that point, and the others strained to hear him. “He sacrificed himself for you so I didn’ t have to.” “Lancelot…” Percival whispered to himself, but the others heard. Merlin looked up at the knight and nodded. He then turned back to Arthur . “He told me that my destiny was greater than his and he sacrificed himself for ME. Not for Gwen, not for you, not for Camelot, for me.” Merlin took a deep breath, and noticed that Arthur ’s resolve seemed to be fading, like he was growing to understand what Merlin had experienced. ‘He’ll never understand’ Merlin thought. “My father died in my arms the day after I met him, by a sword that was intended for me, and you told me that no man was worth my tears.” The knights all gasped, and turned towards Arthur , who looked pale and who’ s mouth was open slightly . “I-I don’ t…” Arthur stuttered. He had no idea what to say . He thought Merlin had never met his father . “And you…” Merlin trailed of f, tearing up. The only person who knew about Freya was Lancelot, and he had only told him once. T alking about her hurt too much. Y et another person he failed to protect. Merlin righted himself, and looked at Arthur with eyes so emotionless it scared the other knights. “The one time I tried to escape my destiny , I was met with a cruel reminder from the gods that I can never have what I want. That I am simply a vessel sent to carry out their will, set with a burden too heavy for one man to bear . I fell in love. W e were going to run away; go live by a lake with mountains and flowers and escape our troubles and our responsibilities. It was the only time I tried to forsake my duties and do something selfish. What happened? She was cursed, you killed her , and I had to clean her blood of f your sword the next day .” As Merlin finished, he cast his eyes away from the pitying faces of the knights, away from Arthur , who looked like he had been struck, and up to the sky , blinking away his tears. “Merlin I…” Arthur had no idea what to say . How had he not known that? How had he never recognized that Merlin was hurting in such a way? “I have lost everything Arthur . And the thing is, I can’ t even blame you. She was cursed, and she was hurting the people of Camelot. Y ou did what you had to do. Y ou didn’ t know it was my father in my arms, so you tried to comfort me with those words. I didn’ t blame you for any of those things then, and I don’ t blame you now . There is no one to blame but myself. It was me who failed to protect and save them.” The knights were shocked. They couldn’ t believe that Merlin blamed himself for everything. If anything, his words solidified to them that he was good, much better than they all thought. He was the strongest man they had ever met. “I know the law Arthur . But I will not apologize for using magic to protect you and Camelot. I am sorry I lied to you. I tried to tell you so many times. In the beginning, I knew it would get me killed, then, when we became friends, I didn’ t want to force you to have to choose between me and your father . Then once you became king…” Merlin trailed of f, not knowing what to say . He finally decided on. “I was scared. I had lived my entire life in hiding and it was just easier to stay that way .” “I don’ t know what to say” Arthur stated. “Let me make it easy for you. I have never had a choice. I was told of my destiny , told that I couldn’ t escape it, and told that I essentially had the weight of all of Albion on my shoulders. Honestly , if I had the choice, I would choose to protect you. All of you. Y ou’re my friends.” The knights allowed themselves to be grateful for that while he continued. “But the fact is, I never actually had a choice. Everything I do, even to avoid fate, seems to cause it. So I am going to give you the luxury of a choice Arthur . You either kill me, or I come back to Camelot and continue to protect you. I’m not asking for anything. I’m not asking for recognition, that’ s never why I did it. I’m not even asking to be anything other than what I already was. I’m simply providing you with your options. Kill me here and now , or I continue to serve you. I will not leave Camelot. I have sacrificed too much just to give up now and not see this through. The only thing I have left to give is my life. I've lost everything...everyone else.” Arthur was speechless. He sat there, staring at his friend, mouth opening and closing because he had no idea what to say . Before he got a chance to say anything, Gwaine spoke. “If you kill him, you lose me.” Merlin turned to look at Gwaine sharply , went to shake his head and tell him not to do anything stupid, but he held his hand up to stop him. Gwaine looked at Merlin. “I was your friend before I was his knight. I saved his life because of you. I came to Camelot because of you. I became a knight because of you, Merlin.” He emphasized ‘you’. “I will not serve a king who does you harm.” Merlin allowed himself to enjoy the warm feeling that formed in his chest at his friend’ s loyalty . He gave Gwaine a small smile, a real one, and the knight replied with one of his rare sincere smiles. “You lose me too.” Percival stood up to make his point. Merlin looked surprised. Percival continued. “While Lancelot and I travelled together , before we came to Camelot, he spoke of Merlin often. He said that Merlin had saved Camelot more times than he could count, and that he was special. V ery special. That he was kind and compassionate and Arthur was incredibly lucky to have him. Of course he never told me how Merlin saved Camelot, or how he was special, but that’ s clear to me now .” The lar ge knight gave Merlin a small smile as he addressed him. “He believed in you, and now that I know you, now that I am lucky enough to consider you my friend, I believe in you too.” Merlin teared up at Percival’ s words, not used to so many sentences coming from him at once. Elyan spoke next. “And me. Merlin protected Gwen. Protected her when I was too much of a coward to come home. Knowing what I know now I’m assuming it was you who cured our father of the sickness that hit Camelot.” Merlin nodded. “I couldn’ t let him die knowing I could save him. I didn’ t want to see Gwen heartbroken.” Elyan continued. “And you confessed to sorcery in Gwen’ s place.” “I wasn’ t going to let her die.” Merlin said with the determination of one who is fiercely protective and caring. Elyan nodded, satisfied. He turned back to Arthur . “If he dies, I am no longer a knight of Camelot.” Arthur listened to his best knights’ testimonies, waiting with bated breath for what Leon would say . The others, to an extent, he knew were there because of Merlin, but Leon had been loyal to him first. He wanted his opinion. Merlin wasn’ t expecting much, but no one predicted what would leave the First Knight’ s mouth. “Y ou will lose me too, sire.” Merlin’ s jaw dropped open, as did Gwaine’ s. Elyan and Percival looked on at their friend, proud. Arthur gestured for Leon to continue. “I used to pride myself on being the person who was most loyal to you, sire. The man who would give his life for yours without hesitation. Until Merlin. I apologize for saying it, but seven years ago, you were arrogant. Y ou were self- absorbed, ignorant of many things, and you were, by all accounts, a prat.” Merlin tried to hide his snort. Gwaine was less successful. Arthur couldn’ t believe what he was hearing, and Leon looked shocked that he had let such a thing out. He continued. “Merlin turned you into a great Prince and King, but an even better man. Y ou are kind and caring. Y ou listen to the plights of your people and you treat all with respect. I do believe Merlin caused these changes in you. I have never met a person more loyal in my life. And if it were to be anyone who could be more loyal to you than I, I am glad it is Merlin. There is not a doubt in my mind that he is good.” Leon turned to smile at Merlin, who replied with a smile so bright and sincere that it actually made Arthur feel better . Leon looked back at Arthur . “If he is as powerful as I believe he probably is, killing him would be killing Camelot’ s greatest defender . I will not serve a King who makes such a decision. Furthermore, I would not serve a King who harms a loyal friend such as Merlin.” Merlin didn’ t say it, but Leon seeing him as more than a weapon, seeing him as a friend first, sorcerer second, that felt better than he could ever describe. “My life was saved by magic Arthur , I have seen firsthand the good it can do.” Leon said. He then asked a question. “Merlin, how many times have you saved Arthur ’s life? Using magic, or otherwise.” “Honestly? I lost count after my first couple months in Camelot.” Merlin said. Arthur looked shocked. “And what do you use the magic for?” Leon was asking the questions, but he never took his eyes of f Arthur . He was standing as the bridge between them. Filling the gaps he knew Arthur wanted but would never ask for himself. “Small things, sometimes. Like when I have one of my ‘funny feelings’ on patrol, it’ s actually my magic sensing that something is wrong. It’ s why I’m always right.” Arthur scof fed before he could stop himself. ‘Not always.’ He muttered under his breath. Merlin gave him a mock glare, but he felt better already . “Anything else?” “I help with bandit attacks. Knocking people over , hitting them with tree branches, making them drop their swords, things like that.” Gwaine laughed. “I knew there shouldn’ t be so many loose tree branches!” Merlin laughed too. “What else have you done Merlin?” Leon was pushing because he knew Merlin must do so much more. Merlin sobered. “I killed the grif fin, with Lancelot’ s help. I defeated the afanc. I killed Nimueh. I defeated Cornelius Sigan. I defeated the Knights of Medhir . I defeated Mor gana’ s immortal army . Any creature that we were told could only be defeated by magic, that was me. Oh! And this.” At that, Merlin created the blue ball of light that guided Arthur ’s way when had been trapped by Nimueh. Arthur gasped. “That was you? But you were dying.” Merlin shrugged. “Gaius told me that I was speaking to you in my sleep, like I could see that you were in danger . Then apparently I conjured the light. Even when I’m dying I’m protecting you.” Merlin joked weakly . Arthur shook his head. “So it’ s you I owe Camelot to.” Arthur said. “Have any of my accomplishments in the last seven years actually been my own?” “They are yours Arthur . I simply helped.” Arthur snorted. “Helped.” Merlin shrugged. Arthur remembered that he was supposed to be angry , and his face hardened again. He tried not to let himself break at the way he saw Merlin’ s face fall. “I need to know everything, Merlin. From the second you arrived in Camelot to now . Everything.” Arthur said. “There’ s a lot you aren’ t going to like. I’ve made mistakes. But those are not the failings of magic, only the failings of me. Please remember that.” Arthur nodded and Merlin spoke again. “Does this mean you’ve made your decision?” Arthur , upon listening to Merlin talk for so long, had for gotten there was a choice to be made. “Decision?” Merlin rolled his eyes. “I gave you two options. Have you decided between them?” Ah. Arthur remembered. He didn’ t let himself get too angry at the way all of his knights straightened and slightly shifted in between him and Merlin. “I have.” “And?” “And even if you hadn’ t done all of that, I couldn’ t have killed you. Y ou can come back to Camelot. Good manservants are hard to come by .” Merlin smiled then, and Arthur had a feeling that everything was going to be alright. “Merlin?” “Yeah?” “Did you only stay because this is supposedly your destiny?” Arthur asked, feigning indifference, but Merlin could hear the insecurities in his question. “No. I told you. Y ou’re my friend. In the beginning, yes, but eventually I saw the man you had become and the king you would be. I wanted to help you get there.” Arthur smiled and then joked: “Ah yes, the man you apparently made me. Isn’ t that right, Sir Leon?” The knight had the decency to look sheepish, but the others laughing let him know that Arthur wasn’ t actually upset. Leon shrugged. “Y ou know I’m right.” Arthur sighed and then said: “Y es I suppose you are.” Merlin chuckled. “I’ll tell you all everything. No more secrets.” Arthur nodded. “I’m sorry for those you have lost Merlin. I am especially sorry about your lost love.” “Freya. Her name was Freya.” Arthur smiled slightly . “A beautiful name.” “Yeah, she was.” Merlin said, more to himself than anyone else. Merlin plastered on a fake grin, one that Arthur had seen a hundred times before, and he cursed himself for never having realized how false it was. He had let himself be placated by that face before, but he never would again. Merlin readied himself to tell them of everything he had done. “W ell my friends, I believe it’ s time for a story .” Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Words: 3,893
Chapters: 1/1
3 Times Arthur Brings Merlin Flowers and the 1 Time Merlin Realises Why
“I’ve brought you flowers.”“Oh, these are fantastic, Arthur! Truly. Gaius will be so pleased. We can never afford roses.”Merlin found what he was looking for – a knife – and turned back to the roses. Arthur let out a strangled sound as he sliced off the heads of the roses, tossing the stalks away.“Roses have so many health benefits,” Merlin offered conversationally. “They can help reduce pain, depression, anxiety, stress… You're getting quite good at identifying the right flowers for medicinal use!”------In which Arthur keeps getting Merlin flowers and Merlin keeps thinking they're for medicinal use.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Minor Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Misunderstandings, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), courting, 5+1 Things, except minus 2, because you can only mess up getting flowers so many times, Fluff, Humour, Pining Arthur, Romance, Annoyed Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-10
Words: 3,599
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 91
Kudos: 3,665
Bookmarks: 487
Hits: 20,536
Categories: F/F, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin & Morgana & Arthur Pendragon, Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
Just Listen
Merlin wants to stop Arthur from going on another stupid quest assigned to him by Uther, but he believes he isn't worthy enough for Arthur to listen to him.OrMerlin believes he's nothing more than a good fuck for Arthur.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Protective Merlin, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur, Arthurian, Boys In Love, Angst, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Canon Era, Established Relationship, Parent Gaius (Merlin), Gaius is So Done (Merlin), No Smut, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur, Bossy Arthur, Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), soft merlin, soft merthur, Fluffy Ending, Domestic Fluff, Emotional Hurt, Fluff and Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst and Feels, Friends With Benefits, During Canon, Secret Relationship, Arthur is in love
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-11
Words: 1,204
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 22
Kudos: 1,702
Bookmarks: 121
Hits: 18,668
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
quiet light
Post-s04e7 AU where Arthur didn’t simply forget that, with Gaius venerated, they still have a traitor is still in their midst.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Post Episode: s04e07 The Secret Sharer, Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Emotional Constipation, Hurt/Comfort, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Merlin stands his ground, Merlin has had it, Officially, Arthur finds out that there are consequences to being an arse, Angry Merlin (Merlin), arthur tries his best but he does not get It
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-14
Words: 3,647
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 83
Kudos: 1,466
Bookmarks: 277
Hits: 9,211
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Of Gods and Princes
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“I think I’m going to be your manservant,” Merlin announces, one day, and Arthur almost chokes on thin air. “No,” Arthur says, because Merlin is a god, for – someone’s sake, and Arthur doesn’t want the first noble to raise their hand for a reprimanding slap turned into a worm, or something worse. Merlin simply frowns, petulant. “Why? I think I’d be quite good, if I got the hang of it.” Arthur presses his hand over his eyes, a pounding headache in the making, and sighs. Or: Merlin wants to spend more time with Arthur, and thinks becoming the prince's manservant is a splendid idea. Arthur disagrees. Part 2 of the Chasing Spring series. Notes Thank you so much to all who have read, bookmarked, commented, and kudosed Chasing Spring! I was very seriously blown off my feet :] Now, the Sequel. Unbeta'd, so all mistakes are mine. :) See the end of the work for more notes “I think I’m going to be your manservant,” Merlin announces, one day, and Arthur almost chokes on thin air. “No,” Arthur says, because Merlin is a god, for – someone’s sake, and Arthur doesn’t want the first noble to raise their hand for a reprimanding slap turned into a worm, or something worse. Not to say, of course, just how fundamentally wrong the whole idea is. Merlin, though, looks blissfully unawares of Arthur’s concerns, because he simply frowns, petulant, and replies, “Why? I think I’d be quite good, if I got the hang of it.” Arthur presses his hand over his eyes, a pounding headache in the making, and sighs. Whatever has led up to this? Well, to understand that, first – Arthur must go back to a few weeks ago, back when it had still been early spring. When Arthur had called and Merlin – Emrys – had answered. ◈ It takes a while for Arthur and Merlin to find their footing. Even settling on a name is difficult. Arthur spends days fluctuating wildly between ‘Emrys’ and ‘Merlin’, settling for a strange blend of the two more often than not. It’s a terrible mess, until the god corners him one day and puts his finger on Arthur’s mouth, firm. “I told you once, and I’ll tell you again,” he says. “It’s Merlin. To you; only to you.” It feels like Arthur has been given a priceless gift, a piece of the god himself, and Arthur can’t even begin to fathom the worth of it. Arthur simply nods, wordless. It is Merlin after that. There’s a whole other mountain of issues too, though, starting with the fact that Arthur’s significant other could crush Arthur like an ant with less effort than lifting a finger. It’s vaguely disturbing, and also quite terrifying, especially when Arthur suspects that they’re headed towards an argument. Arthur still remembers, in vivid detail, how Merlin had been when facing down those wyverns – it is something he would be happy to never see ever again, and especially never aimed towards him. He remembers the blinding light, the heat, searing-hot like a strike of lightning and several times more terrifying, the way the fabric of reality had seem to twist and spin about them. Arthur prides himself on his courage, but it takes a while even for him to stop walking on eggshells around the god. It doesn’t help that Merlin gives him those looks whenever he catches Arthur at it, fleeting glances under downturned lashes that are chock-full of hurt and regret and why-don’t-you-trust-me’s, and they cut Arthur straight to the bone. But Arthur is only human, too, and Merlin is a lot to take in, even in his least threatening of forms. Even as they settle into something like a routine, early morning and late nights spent curled together in Arthur’s spacious, princely bed, moments stolen in between patrols and training and negotiations, that edge of apprehension never quite leaves Arthur’s mind. Merlin’s eyes are touched with regret under the smudge of his lashes, but he doesn’t call Arthur out on it. Arthur suspects he doesn’t quite know how. It isn’t perfect, and the fact that Arthur is having an illicit affair with the very god who’d cursed Camelot right under Uther’s nose lends it an edge of secrecy and urgency that has Arthur’s heart beating hard and sweat beading in his hands. There are still so, so many things Arthur and Merlin ought to work out, so many hurdles left to jump – still, it’s without doubt the best thing Arthur has ever had, and he cherishes every moment, every single second of it. He memorizes how Merlin’s skin feels under his fingers, almost crackling with electricity but not quite, how Merlin’s stormy eyes catch the orange of Arthur’s chambers and turn into something indescribably fey and enchanting. He memorizes the glint of light on his cheekbones, his quick laugh and even quicker wit, how Arthur (with increasing courage) would poke fun at him and how Merlin delights in it each and every time. Merlin smiles at him, sometimes, and Arthur thinks – Merlin knows, too, and he loves Arthur all the more for it. “I don’t ever get to see you during the day,” Merlin complains as soon as Arthur sets foot into his chambers. To his credit, Arthur doesn’t start and drop the torch on his foot or anything terribly awkward like that – he is getting used to having an all-powerful god as a lover, he supposes. Arthur wonders if he ought to be more disturbed than he is. It helps that Arthur has probably seen the boy – god – at his most human, though. Working himself up over Arthur’s moods, awkward kisses and fumbling touches about his shirt-sleeves, and, most of all, the tendency to conveniently magic himself away whenever he manages to dig himself into yet another awkward situation. In those respects, it’s almost like having a boy of a lover - (albeit a superpowered one who could raze Camelot to the ground should he be so inclined, but, well, technicalities.) The god is draped across Arthur’s bed, chin resting on his hands, garbed in a strange, flowing tunic that highlights his fine cheekbones and the startling blue of his eyes. The first time he’d shown up in Arthur’s chambers wearing that, Arthur had told him he looked ridiculous. (Merlin hadn’t, to be honest, but anyone else would have, and there was something so terribly infair about that.) Merlin had laughed at him then, eyes dancing, and called Arthur a prat right before drawing him close and kissing him senseless. Arthur smiles, fond and apologetic, and says, “There are always people, during the day.” “You know I could do something about that.” “I’d rather – you didn’t.” Arthur grimaces as soon as the words leave his lips. He sounds horrifically ungrateful, which he most definitely isn’t – he doesn’t know much about gods, but he does understand that Merlin must care a lot about him if he deigns to lurk about in the shadows of Arthur’s chambers, waiting for him, when he could just as easily have had all of Camelot bowing at his feet. “I mean – I wouldn’t feel comfortable, affecting people like that.” The memory of an endless winter, cold winds that cut like a knife, is still too raw in his mind. Merlin’s eyes meet Arthur’s, and the understanding there is something both sad and resigned. Merlin sighs. “Yes,” he says, “I know.” Then an intangible force is reaching forth to draw Arthur across the room, right into Merlin’s waiting arms. Arthur grunts in surprise. “Some warning next time might be nice.” Sometimes, Arthur marvels at how much he is allowed to get away with – he is sure that with some gods, he would have been struck down for disrespect before he could even say ‘Oh.’ Arthur can feel Merlin’s smile against the skin of his neck, and again, he marvels at how human this god of his is, how warm, how solid. A sudden warmth jolts through him, and Arthur runs his fingers carefully down the flawless skin of Merlin’s arm, soft, reverent. “You could make up for it by giving me a hug right now,” Merlin suggests, and Arthur complies. Who is he to deny Merlin, after all? A few days later, Merlin is waiting for him again, legs dangling off the edge of his bed, a giant smile gracing his face. It’s the smile Arthur has unofficially dubbed Merlin’s Face of Mischief, that face he gets whenever he’s planning something awfully absurd and un-godly, and Arthur bites his lip. “Yes?” he asks, expectant. Merlin pouts. “You don’t know that I have something to tell you,” he says. “For all you know, I might just have dropped in because I was unbearably bored.” “I happen to know you better than that.” Merlin smiles back at him, then, and his smile is wide and open and happy. “Yes, I know.” he pats the empty space beside him, wrinkling the pristine bed-covers. Arthur heads over, limbs aching; it had been a long day of training that day. The air about Merlin smells like fresh grass and spring flowers, despite Arthur’s chamber windows having been closed for the better part of the day, and Arthur huffs a laugh at the impossible creature before him. “So, what is it?” “I’ve been thinking about that – problem,” Merlin says, waving a hand to indicate Arthur and himself. Arthur raises a brow at that. “You know, Mer lin - ” “You can’t read minds, I know.” They share a grin at that – a campfire shared, a blanket of snow, icy winds that had somehow never quite touched the two of them. “I think I’m going to be your manservant.” Arthur almost falls off of the bed. “ What? ” “It would be so fun,” Merlin grins, eyes sparkling. That’s not a good sign – Arthur usually finds himself wanting to give Merlin anything he wants when he looks like that. It’s unfair, really; that Merlin can look so delicate, so vibrant, when Arthur knows just how much he is under that facade, how – powerful . Merlin is persistent; Arthur really must give him that. “I’ll have you know,” Merlin says, later, “I think I’d actually be quite good at it.” He waves a hand, and the clutter on Arthur’s desk immediately rights itself, motes of dust streaming off of the desk and out of the window. “See? Perfect maintenance. It doesn’t even take any time.” Arthur gawps. That’s a new way to houskeeping, for sure – except for the fact that were it anyone but Merlin, who Arthur knows is perfectly capable of taking care of himself, they would probably find themselves on the chopping block before they could say “execution!”. “You do know that servants serve , right?” The idea is wrong on so many different levels, and Arthur doesn’t even know where to start. Maybe that Merlin happens to be a god, all-powerful and immortal, and there’s something intrinsically wrong about somebody serving you when they could just as easily destroy the five kingdoms in a blink. “I understand, sire ,” Merlin says, and there must be something fundamentally wrong with Arthur that the thing makes his heart jolt and his blood uncomfortably warm. Arthur shifts, and Merlin gifts him a knowing look and a smile. “But – think about it. I could be next to you, beside you, every single moment, and no-one would ever question us.” Merlin bites his lip. Arthur’s eyes track it, the faint indent in Merlin’s lower lip, the way it turns Merlin’s expression into something halfway to a pout and also something horribly enticing. “At least give it some thought.” “You’d have to see my father,” Arthur blurts out, because – that is true; the prince’s manservant can’t not see the king, and Arthur isn’t sure what Merlin might do when he comes face-to-face with his friend’s killer. Arthur has seen Merlin in a rage, before. It isn’t anything pretty. Merlin’s expression darkens, and the air crackles with power, an almost-audible snap whipping through the air. The fine hairs on Arthur’s arms stand on end. Merlin spares him a quick glance, and with a barely-there, regretful shake of his head, Arthur can breathe again. “I’ll – manage.” Merlin’s profile is pensive, half-drawn in shadow from the candlelight, and again, it looks terribly old, dark, weathered. Arthur fights the urge to draw him into his arms and never let him go. He isn’t sure that Merlin would appreciate it, much. He settles for an arm around Merlin’s shoulders. His smile is wan but appreciative, and he worries his lip for a while before he speaks again. “It doesn’t mean that we’d be the best of friends, far from it,” he says. “Nor will I let any sorcerers die, not when they’ve committed no crime, when I could to something to help. But – you know what happens, when I try to take matters of justice into my own hands.” Arthur knows. The starving face of his people, dark and drawn and desperate, the grief and anger; the cold . A shiver runs, involuntary, down his spine. “I think,” Merlin says, “that I need to learn – to watch, and not interfere.” Arthur squeezes his fingers in answer. Arthur still thinks that it’s a horrible idea, though, and he tells him so. Merlin merely gives him an enigmatic grin and shrugs. “Well,” he says, “we’ll see about that.” Merlin meets Gaius a little while after that. Merlin has been absent for several days, now, on what Arthur supposes is some mysterious godly business that mere mortals like him is not privy to. Meanwhile, Arthur has managed to injure his leg during training – a hairline fracture, nothing more, Gaius had said, but the elderly physician had added that he would feel a lot more comfortable if he were able to come check on Arthur in regular intervals. Gaius is more of a father to Arthur than his father has ever been, and Arthur can’t bear to be the source of his concern. His leg is still bad enough that it wouldn’t be wise for him to go about traipsing down the castle’s stairs, so Gaius comes to him. Merlin hasn’t been around for a while, Arthur reasons, so it should be safe – except, well, Arthur has never really had good luck with these sort of things. Gaius is bent down in front of Arthur’s knee, some mysterious physician’s instrument in hand, long and tapered and hollow, tapping at the bone and sniew around his injury – when Merlin materializes with a faint pop, behind him. Arthur makes a frantic motion with his hand to turn around and go away, because you can’t afford to out yourself so soon, no – but Merlin’s curiosity is an insatiable thing once it’s roused, and Merlin has that twinkle in his eyes that drives Arthur absolutely crazy approximately two-thirds of the time, and Arthur knows that he’s done. Absolutely, irrevocably done. Merlin’s eyes narrow, shrewd, as he gives Gaius a once-over, and it is almost as if he is dissecting the man below his gaze, seeing inside him, through him, and his head tilts in recognition. “Ah! You must be Gaius,” he says, voice amiable, friendly smile gracing boyish, fey features, and Gaius actually topples sideways in his hurry to turn around. Arthur cries out, lurching forward, because despite anything Gaius may say he is old and his bones brittle, and there is no way by the gods that a nice tumble may be beneficial to his health. Merlin is faster, though – a warm gust of wind sweeps the physician off his feet and deposits him gently onto a chair, which scoots across the room and turns to face Arthur’s bed. A warm tingle runs through Arthur, almost a caress, and the soft hairs at the nape of his neck crackle and shift. Merlin makes himself comfortable on the bed. He is in a bit more traditionally Camelotian attire, today, a simple homespun blue tunic over comfortably stretched breeches, feet bare and a few stray flowers wound into his hair. It does nothing to hide the sheer presence of him, though; the fire in Arthur’s fireplace flickers and curls, like a dog eager to come closer to its master, and the scent of fresh grass fills the air. Arthur has seen the pictures in Gaius’ books. It is unmistakable, really; and Gaius must have come to the natural conclusion, too, because his eyes widen, almost comical, his mouth splitting into a wide smile of joy, of reverence and exultance and everything in between. His eyes are glinting, and when he turns, Arthur thinks he sees a hint of moisture too. “Emrys,” he whispers, and collapses into a bow at Merlin’s feet. “ Emrys .” His voice is stronger the second time around. It should have been hilarious, really, because Gaius could have been his grandfather, white hairs and all, and the scene of Gaius paying homage to a boy who looks younger than Arthur himself is so ridiculous it isn’t even funny. But there is something about the way Merlin’s presence fills the room, every crack and seam and corner, the way he looks utterly inconspicuous yet could never be mistaken as such. The heavy air in the room is like an old prayer returned – reverent, solemn, and Arthur holds his breath. “Really, Gaius,” Merlin says, helping the flustered physician up, “you shouldn’t. Arthur practically thinks of you as his father, and even he doesn’t bow to me – now, sit, sit. That can’t have been good for your bones.” And the spell is broken. “My bones are better than they have ever been,” Gaius says, his characteristic dry humor returning now that he’s regained his feet some, and from the accusing look he’s leveling at Merlin Arthur suspects the god has had a lot to do with that. He sighs, though he probably just looks fond and besotted – he shouldn’t have put it past him to do something in that short span of time, being apparently the ‘greatest’ and all that. “So – you and Arthur?” The innuendo in the old man’s voice is unmistakable, and Arthur flushes to the roots of his hair. “Gaius!” “Well, my boy, you did say...” “I did not say anything whatsoever,” Arthur asserts, leveling a glare at Gaius, and Merlin laughs. “It’s alright. You are adorable, after all.” “Adorable!” Arthur jumps, indignant. “You’re one to say that. As far as I remember - ” “I could still turn you into a squirrel, you know. Adorable.” Something warm feels Arthur’s heart, right then, that they’ve come to the point where they can joke about things like this without feeling as if they’ve destroyed something small, fragile, budding. That is why Arthur fires right back, “watch out. First thing I’ll do is bite you in the toes.” Gaius watches their banter with his trademark raised brow. It’s almost as if half of him is set to pull Arthur aside and give him a long lecture on how to treat his betters, and the other half just wants to give in and laugh hopelessly until he’s gasping for breath. After a little while, though, the ruckus calms enough for Gaius to turn towards Merlin, back straight and eyes serious. “Thank you,” he says, and his voice holds the weight of a thousand words. Arthur doesn’t need words to understand what he is thanking Merlin – Emrys – for. He remembers Gaius’ face as he had recounted William’s execution, the light of joy on his face as he’d welcomed back the spring, that first time in years, ground overflowing with flowers and grass, butterflies clouding the air. Merlin doesn’t make light of it, for once. He sits, serious, features as if carved in wood, the faint light of Arthur’s fireplace sending spots of gold flickering across his face. He has never looked more a god, never looked more a weary immortal. “I am not sure,” he says, “if I deserve your thanks. You do understand, old one, that I was the one to blame, the one who brought the curse upon you.” “Far be it of us to dare presume to know better than the gods,” Gaius replies, making a strange gesture that Arthur does not recognize, but Merlin unmistakably does. An air of fondness permeates his features, a faint melancholy towards a time that once was, that is no more, and he smiles. “Ah, so you do follow the old ways. I had long suspected.” “Indeed.” Gaius pauses for a moment, his gaze far away, then he adds: “You listened to Arthur. It is not the way of the gods, to take counsel from mere mortals.” “He is not a mere mortal,” Merlin replies, voice soft, and a tendril of his power curls around Arthur’s wrist, light but possessive. “And you were never mere mortals to me.” “Your power deems you the greatest,” Gaius says, “but that – is why I bow before you. My lord, know that I am forever pledged to your will.” It is doing strange things to Arthur’s mind, to hear Gaius, of all people, call Merlin, again, of all people, his lord. It is in moments like these that he realizes just how foreign Merlin is, how different indeed – he bites his lip, presses his fingers against his knees. They have tightened into fists on his legs, before he’s even noticed, and from the brief, flickering look Merlin gives him, he’s seen, too. “Then come forth, Gaius,” Merlin beckons, and Gaius kneels before him, reverent. Merlin presses the tips of his fingers to his mouth, then against Gaius’ forehead. Arthur feels a faint rustle pulse through the air, a quiet rush of power, and Gaius gasps, eyes blown wide. “Gaius?” Arthur asks, quizzical. “A blessing,” Gaius replies, and there are tears in his eyes. Arthur doesn’t ask further. Gaius visits Arthur’s chambers several more times after that. Arthur suspects that it is more to catch a glimpse of Merlin than to treat him, because his leg is nearly healed, now, and he teases Gaius incessantly about it. “Eager to see him, aren’t you?” he grins, and Gaius flushes, ducking his head. Arthur can’t decide whether to be amused or disturbed; he has never seen Gaius this flustered, ever, and it is an image he would have been happy never to have seen. “It’s Emrys ,” Gaius says, by way of explanation. To followers of the old religion, that’s apparently explanation enough. Arthur lets it be. Merlin joins them, sometimes, though sometimes he whisks Arthur away for some ‘private time of their own’. (Arthur certainly isn’t complaining.) Merlin, for all his godliness, has always had a way of putting people at ease, with his ready smile and quick words, and Gaius soon warms to the god enough to begin fussing over him, too. Merlin complains right back, and Gaius brightens considerably at that, almost as if he’s always considered Arthur his only son and now he’s got another to call his own. “I’m adding you to my list,” Merlin grumbles, jabbing a finger at the man. “I think being an owl would suit you.” “Nonsense,” Gaius replies, “you should still eat breakfast, you know. Being a god doesn’t mean that you’re invulnerable.” It does, probably, but Arthur doesn’t correct the man. Some days, it almost feels as if he’s grown a little family of his own, right here in the privacy of his chambers. Watching Gaius lecturing Merlin and the boy – god – grumbling right back, usually ending up snaking his fingers through Arthur’s and sending him a look that reads ‘please save me now’, never fails to bring a smile to his lips. “So, milord,” Gaius says, who absolutely refuses to refer to Merlin in anything but the honorific, “will I be seeing you more around the castle?” “Yes,” Merlin says, at the same time that Arthur says, “No.” He’s found yet another reason why Merlin’s plan won’t work; if Gaius’ old tomes have bloody illustrations of the boy, what’s to stop the rest of the world finding out? Uther would try to have Merlin beheaded right away, and Arthur had a very bad feeling that it wouldn’t end well for anyone involved. (He’d told Merlin this, of course. Merlin had simply smiled and pointed out that anyone who had such knowledge would be either ally or foe, and if it were foe, Merlin could simply strike them down. Arthur, thinking back to Merlin’s last bout of smiting – a crater, lots of blinding light, and a lot of pain involved for those being smote down – had disagreed. Vehemently. ‘Oh, I could just make them forget, then,’ Merlin had said, terribly blasé, and that had been that.) Gaius raises an eyebrow. “Do try to get this spat under control before it grows out of hand,” he says, in his best listen-to-me voice, and Arthur groans. “ Gaius .” Arthur doesn’t have much time to mull over the issue after that, because apparently some great singer – Lady Helen of Mora – is going to come sing at Camelot’s feast, and Uther is determined to make it the most lavish one yet. Thank gods for the plentiful spring, Arthur thinks to himself as he rushes about with a list of things to check over, because otherwise they’d have been hard-pressed to prepare the appetizers alone. The head cook, apparently, had got this great dream of a soup with spring pumpkin and squash that could feed three hundred, and Uther had approved : nothing less for his Great Feast. Bloody feasts. Arthur will be glad when they manage not to get half of Camelot’s farming population broke for this. Still - “She’s apparently a great singer, though,” Arthur tells Merlin one night, as he lies spread across his bed, still clothed, bone-weary and too tired to even lift a finger. Merlin waves his hand, a languid roll, and before he knows it Arthur is down to his smallclothes and tucked snugly into the sheets. Sometimes, Arthur thinks, it’s wonderful to have a lover with mystical powers. Especially when they use it to help him out with everyday tasks like this. “Hmm,” Merlin says, and is gaze is a thousand miles away. He tilts his head, as if pondering something, and Arthur shifts a little under the sheets, curious. “Why? Do you know something about her?” “Not – really,” Merlin hums, before shaking his head, absent-minded. “You’re tired. Sleep.” Arthur tries to protest, but his eyes slide closed almost as if obeying Merlin’s command, and – it’s just so unfair, that Merlin can send him to sleep with a thought, when Arthur is hard-pressed to even fathom what the boy – man – god – is thinking. Sleep claims him soon, though, a black, welcoming tide, and it isn’t long before Arthur gives in. Lady Helen is a striking woman with dark hair twisted in a elaborate knot atop her head. She is everything Arthur had thought a famed singer would be, to be honest, with a rich, dulcet voice and just the right amount of pomp, gestures crisp and laced with an expectation to be obeyed, right that instant, or else . A maid dies during her stay, and Arthur tenses for a moment, half-expecting Uther to scream, ‘sorcery!’ and demand a search of all chambers, because Uther’s paranoia only grows with the years, and sometimes anger can cloud even rational thought. The days pass by without a fuss, though - ( servants, Arthur remembers bitterly, are hardly ever thought of as people. Of course Uther would not have noticed. ) - and before Arthur knows it, it’s the day of the feast. The feast is just as opulent as Uther had willed it to be, if not more so. It is a statement of sorts, strong and clear, that Camelot is no longer weak - that anyone who wishes to take her riches as his own will have to go through this first. Arthur acts pretty much as a crown prince is expected to act, a routine well-learned through years upon years of repetition. Arthur knows – perhaps better than anyone – how to smile courteously, to lend an ear to everyone within a foot-long radius without leaving a single thought of dissatisfaction or neglect. Arthur knows, too, how to glitter and shine and become someone people will gravitate towards, center around, and for all the noble-ladies and young men that flock around him, Arthur would much rather be anywhere else. He is lulled into a half-trance before the feast is halfway over. But his sense of normalcy flies out the window the moment he spots a flash of stormy blue, both familiar and out of place. Merlin must have done – something, like the first time they’d met, because he seems a simple country boy for all means and purposes right now. He’s garbed in rough, simple brown clothes, and a red neckerchief hangs about his neck. The boy fits seamlessly into the tapestry of the feast, just another servant with a quick smile and a jug of ale at the ready. Arthur gapes. Merlin gives him a cheeky grin and gestures for him to look away. “Can’t be caught staring at a servant,” he mouths, or at least Arthur thinks that is what he meant – can’t be so sure from so great a distance – before he turns and is gone. No-one seems to notice anything out of usual. Not that many nobles make a habit of memorizing their servants’ faces, but still. Merlin is going to be the death of him, Arthur thinks, and raises his goblet for yet another toast. The night is young; Arthur still has a while to go before he can retire to the privacy of his chambers. The night cannot pass any faster for him. Eventually, the conversation tapers off, the people’s bellies mostly sated and lulled into a pleasant, drunken haze by the wine and ale that had flowed freer than water this night. Customarily, it is now the time for the King’s speech, but today there is a special guest – though jesters and travelling minstrels are often summoned to entertain Uther’s guests, it is not often that a lady of such renown deigns to sing for the King. It is such that someone now announces lady Helen of Mora, and polite applause fills the room in polite, scattered swells. “It is an honour to sing for you all tonight, in front of such noble lords and ladies,” the woman says by way of an introduction, confident, it seems, that her reputation has preceded her. She sweeps into a low curtsey, the plunging low neckline of her gown pulling taut around her shoulders, glittering silk and tasteful jewels shining dully in the orange light of the hall’s torches. Then, she begins to sing, and - Darkness. ◈ To be honest, Emrys – no, Merlin, always Merlin, to Arthur, as he had been to Will – had known who and what exactly this ‘Helen of Mora’ was, the moment she set foot in Camelot. The woman was a skilled sorceress, Merlin could give her that, but still – her mortal glamour is no match for the Sight of a god. Especially not if the god is Merlin, who has always been a little strange, a little different, even among the gods. He doesn’t even have to sift through her mind to pick out the suffocating taint that is her ill-will. He tries not to, nowadays, because he knows well enough that mortals cannot read him in return, and it feels unfair to take advantage of them as such. So he had not even been searching, not even trying to look, but she projected her hatred like a weapon, black and harsh and putrid, and Merlin would have been hard-pressed not to notice. He entertains the thought, for a moment – should he go, strike her down before she can stir up any mischief? Uther’s safety he cannot care less for, but if it is Arthur that she is after – no, he cannot bear that. Arthur is soft and fragile enough as it is, trapped in the brittle shell of a mortal’s, burning bright like a flame but just as short, and if his time with Arthur is cut any shorter than it already is - No. No. But he has learned his lesson, he thinks, and he cannot justify choking short her life when she hasn’t even done anything, yet, so he bides his time, and watches. The original lady Helen, Merlin hears, had been set to sing for the King’s court at the grand feast to mark the return of spring. If she truly wishes for revenge, payback, then - Oh. The sorceress is a creature of magic, at heart, and as thus she could never hide from him. The webs of her plan sift through Merlin’s consciousness in a ragged rush, and Merlin has to clamp down on his power, hard, so as not to lash out at her, drag her forth and demand her to speak in her defence before him, Emrys the Great, the scythe, the reaper, the judge. A son for a son - Arthur. No. But once the instinctive fit of rage has passed, he remembers, with the bitter taint of regret, what he had done for Will – and, he supposes, he really isn’t in any position to judge the woman. How she chooses to use her gifts does not please him – Magic, to him, had always been something to rejoice in, something of life and rebirth and making ragged things whole. Still. There has been so much hate, so much strife, so much pain and loss and anger that Merlin cannot blame any of them for wishing to hurt the enemy as much as they had been hurt – for wishing to take as much as has been taken from them. Sometimes, Merlin wishes that gods, too, were perfect, and that he had a solution ready for every ill, every wrong; that he could just snap his fingers and make everything right again. But alas. Merlin thinks this is how mortal headaches must feel; he grinds the heels of his palm into his eyes, another vice of Arthur that he’s picked up, and sighs. A wry smile graces his mouth. Well, he will think of something, when the time comes – it is still a while, yet. And it has been long since he has been able to attend a mortal feast, of any sorts. He might as well enjoy himself. He does. His mortal form must be pleasing enough on the eyes, he supposes, because plenty of nobles deign to look at him twice, to wait and ask his name, to ask him to bring them another round of this ale, won’t you? It’s rather sweet to-night. Merlin has lived long enough, at least, to know that they do not refer solely to the ale. He simple smiles, flirtatious and light, and goes to do what he is told. Arthur finds him, eventually, and his horrified expression is so exaggeratedly comic that Merlin would capture it in a painting and hang it in his chambers, if he could. Merlin simply grins, that carefree smile he has grown so good at, and mouths at him to go mind his own business. Never so good, he supposes, for a prince to be shown harboring too much affection for a single servant. He does not have to wait long for the sorceress – Mary Collins, he learns, because he feels the pulse of her magic, leashed tight about her, and it is like a beacon that calls out to him, as clear as day – to enact her plan. The witch weaves her spell like a tapestry. It would have been beautiful, had it not been for the rage that permeates every thread and strand of it, and Merlin watches, blood rushing behind his mortal form’s eyes, as the first sparks of the spell begin to fill the air. He waits until the first stage of her spell is finished, and every soul in the room – man, woman, children alike – lie, limp, trapped in a deep sleep. Mary Collins gathers her magic, then, for a second heave, and Merlin feels how she calls upon her power, how she urges the old walls of the castle to hasten to their rest, feels the grains of stone weaken, brittle, the walls shaking with the strain as Camelot slowly, inevitably, begins to crumble. Now. Stop , Merlin commands, flexing his will. Power, raw and pure and golden, rushes to his fingertips, and he stretches, feeling the entirety of the castle about him, breathing, trembling. Be whole . The sorceress’ will batters against his own, but it is like fighting a river with a paddle, an avalanche with a needle, and soon she subsides, worn, exhausted. It is a battle with a fixed end, Merlin supposes, human sorceress against immortal god, and though Merlin has come out on top – he feels sick, faintly tired, like he is – taking advantage, somehow, making light of her trifles. Merlin lets go. The castle walls shudder, a long, invisible sigh escaping their cracks, and still. Mary looks about, a frenzied light in her eyes, as if grappling for what, who, has dared to stand in the path of her revenge. Her eyes settle on Merlin, soon, the only figure except her in this room who still stands, and when she says, “you,” it is more of a feral growl than actual speech. “Me,” Merlin agrees, then lets his glamour fall. He hasn’t ever looked at himself in a mirror in this form, but he can imagine what Mortals see – a golden light, perhaps, a manifestation of the power that is him. Perhaps he stands straighter, walks surer. Leastways nothing like the country boy he so loves to pretend to be. “You are a god.” the old witch says, and there is resignation in her voice. “Yes,” Merlin replies. “You are here to stop me, are you not?” she asks, her voice bitter. She laughs, a harsh, self- deprecating sound, and lets her glamour fall. Young, flawless skin sloughs into wrinkles and sun- spots, her entire figure hunching over, frail, weak, defeated. “I have heard tales, you know, when I was young: that the gods are watching you, that they will judge you for your actions – that if you used your gifts for ill, they will strike you down. I suppose destroying Camelot would count as a sin, if nothing else.” She shrugs. “But what could I have done? It is an eye for an eye, young god. My son was my world. I would destroy his, if I could.” “I – understand.” and Merlin does, more than she could ever fathom. He sighs. “What would you have me do?” “At least give me the life of his son,” Mary says, and there is venom in her eyes. “I deserve that much, do I not? I have not studied the old ways, not as diligently as I should have, but I know that much. A life for a life. That is the balance, the great cycle. I deserve that much.” Merlin should know. It is the very balance he upholds. That is what the worshippers say, no? Emrys, the beginning and the end, the cycle of life and death. He should, but it is Arthur, and so he - cannot. “No,” he says, and though his words are soft, he knows that his power fills the room, crackling, tense, because he has never been good at holding himself back when a loved one is at stake. The sorceress throws back her head and laughs. It is not a happy one. “Oh, you are in love, aren’t you? The little prince – ha. Mark my words: he is Pendragon through and through. He will throw you away like yesterday’s trash before the year is gone.” Merlin remembers a young prince in the snow, more boy than man, yet, weary, determined, ready to plead before a foreign god for his father’s sins. I think not , he thinks, but he does not speak out loud. He must have shown an opening, a slip, anything, because the sorceress, with grief-crazed eyes, has drawn a knife with a speed that belies her age, and has hurled it with all of her remaining strength across the room. Merlin feels her magic curl then lash out, a brief, brilliant flare, and she is dead before she hits the ground. Perhaps she feared the judgement of the boy-god for his lover; Merlin does not know. He never will. He pauses, holding the flow of time in his grip, a moment, then two, lingering long enough for him to close the witch’s eyes and bid her pass in peace. Then it is all action – the knife, though imbued with Mary Collins’ dying magic, is still mortal steel, and Merlin plucks it out of the air as he sets time back to its rightful flow, reaching out with a few stray tendrils of power to nudge the nobles back to full wakefulness. Uther Pendragon, curse him, is the first to wake. That, Merlin should give him – the man has a spine of steel and a will twice as unbending, and his eyes widen in recognition as soon as he takes in the tableau before him : the sorceress’ body, dead upon the ground, the nobles, awakening groggily with cobwebs in their hair, and Merlin, back in his guise of a mortal boy again, the blade of a cursed dagger held tight in his grasp. “You saved my son,” the King says, thoughtful. “Such dedication deserves a fit reward.” Merlin would save Arthur a thousand times over if need be. The thanks of Uther Pendragon, though - It is a reward he would not wish upon his worst enemy. “Sire,” he says, simply, the words poison upon his tongue, and bows. Sometimes, Merlin wishes that gods are as perfect as mortals make them out to be. ◈ “My father wants you to be my manservant,” Arthur blurts out, as soon as he finds Merlin waiting for him on his bed. He shakes his head, disbelieving. “He – did you – enchant him, or something?” “No,” Merlin replies, his voice cutting. “I did not.” Sometimes, in moments like these, Arthur is reminded who exactly he is speaking to, who exactly stands before him. Arthur winces. Merlin, for all his aloofness, is sometimes terribly easy to read – Arthur knows that it had been his idea for him to become Arthur’s manservant, somehow, but he also knows that this is the last way he would have chosen to go about it. “Yeah, I suppose so.” Arthur sighs, loosening his belt. It has only been hours since he has woken from the witch’s spell, and though he’d apparently slept mere hours before – albeit an enchanted one – Arthur is so, very, unbearably weary. “You knew what the sorceress was up to, didn’t you? When I told you lady Helen was coming. That pensive look, I knew something was up. You knew.” Looking back, now, it seems so – glaringly obvious, that Merlin had known, somehow, about the alleged great singer; all those strange, faraway looks and subtle frowns couldn’t have been a mere coincidence. Arthur is angry at himself, for not having seen. But he is also angry at Merlin, for not having told him, for not having given him even the merest of hints. He had thought Merlin would trust him more than that. He had been wrong, and it hurts more than it has any right to. “I – suppose I did,” Merlin replies, and there is a shadow on his face that hadn’t been there a night ago. Arthur doesn’t know what has gone on between Merlin and the old witch, but he does know that something profound must have happened, something that struck Merlin to the core, because there is a part of him that is unfathomably distant - faraway, pensive, terribly old, the way Arthur had expected all gods to look. That is not his Merlin, though, and Arthur wants his Merlin back. “Look,” Arthur says, biting his lip to stop his frustration from boiling over. “Couldn’t you just have told me? You knew, all this time, when I had no idea that I had a sorceress out for my blood. You could have let me know.” “But I had it under control,” Merlin says, an adorable crinkle between his brows. But the way he says the words, as if he has no idea whatsoever what has got Arthur riled up so badly – it is so terribly foreign, so – not human, that Arthur feels like there is a gaping chasm between the two of them, deep, ancient, unbreachable, widening even as they speak. Arthur has never been one to let an obstacle stop him, though, and he refuses to back down. “Merlin,” he says, “it feels like you don’t trust me. Like – you see me simply as someone to be coddled, looked after, not – not a partner. Not friends, even.” It would be true, Arthur supposes, because for all that Morgana teases him that he’s got a bloated sense of self-importance sometimes, it doesn’t mean that he dares put his power on par with a god’s. He’s probably like a toddling baby to Merlin, age-wise and also in everything else, but still the fact remains that he would like to mean something in this relationship too. Or, well, whatever it is. “Oh.” Merlin’s answer is soft. “Oh.” Arthur moves forward, leaning a little into the bed, letting his forehead brush with Merlin’s. This close, the god’s eyes have little flecks of gold in them, as if all the disguises in the world could’t quite hide exactly who he is, and his eyelashes flutter, sooty and long, against the glint of cheekbones in the dark. Arthur crushes the urge to press his fingers against those soft lips, see just how far they give, because - Now is not the time, he chides himself. We’re talking . “Human emotions are – difficult for me,” Merlin says, at last, and he has never looked more humane, more vulnerable, more confused. Arthur wants to draw him into his arms and keep him there forever, for all that the being before him holds the power to blast entire nations out of existence at his whim. Merlin. His Merlin. “Can you at least – try?” Because Arthur refuses to be a second wheel, refuses to be left out, not anymore. Merlin nods, resolute. “Yes,” he says, “I promise.” The words are imbued with a sense of finality, of destiny, somehow, ringing with something more than Merlin’s voice, and Arthur gasps as their lips meet, chaste at first, longer and lingering more with every pass. Later, as they lie side by side, holding hands like blushing youths (which they are, or at least Arthur is, anyway) - Merlin says, “Well, there is one good thing that’s come out of the mess tonight.” “What?” Arthur grumbles, drowsy. Merlin’s reply is disgustingly cheerful. “I’m your manservant now.” “Gods,” Arthur groans. “I can tell you’ll be a horrible one already. I can’t even boss you around like I could a real one.” “You could,” Merlin says, tongue in cheek. “I might even enjoy it.” “I don’t want to be turned into your animal of the day.” “Oh, please your god, and you’ll never know.” “ Mer lin!” A pause, then - “I’m – glad, though. That you’ll be – there, now. We won’t have to sneak around.” “Believe me, Arthur, I am, too. Now sleep. It’s been a long night.” Merlin doesn’t magic him to sleep, this time around. It’s not anything much, not a grand gesture nor anything close, and yet, to Arthur – it feels sweeter than any victory on the battlefield, any successful patrol, any win on the tourney fields. Because he and Merlin may have a long way to go, yet, but they are taking steps, baby steps – but still, it is progress nonetheless. Sleep is a while in the coming, but when it comes, it is sweeter than ever before. End Notes Alright, so a - should I call it a warning? - to readers : I fear that updates to this series might be a bit slow. :( I actually haven't watched the show (if anyone's noticed), and most of what I write is based off of fanfiction and lots and lots of research on the Merlin fanwiki, so writing somewhat canon-era-ish things takes a lot out of me. So look forward to sporadic updates at the best :O On the other hand, though, I absolutely adore this series and have a plan of epic proportions in mind, and will most definitely try to write it all the way to the finish, so there is that too :> That being said, I really hope that you enjoyed this, and wish you all a great day!! :") Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Mary Collins (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Season/Series 01, Powerful Merlin (Merlin), God!Merlin, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Fluff, Humor, Light Angst Series: Part 2 of Chasing Spring
Published: 2020-08-23
Words: 7815
looking after you
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Merlin is taking longer than usual in returning to Camelot. Arthur starts to worry. Notes this is just a little, self-indulgent fic i wrote for the Merlin Twitter Summer Exchange for brennan. i hope you like it. <3 huge thanks to strawberry scarlet and R for the quick beta! It was well before dawn and Merlin was on horseback a few miles away from Camelot's gates. He was barely holding on given his bruised rib and ankle sprain, but he also had to return to Camelot soon. He already lost 3 days in his journey, including his stay in a nearby village to heal and rest after his gruesome fight with the latest beast plaguing Camelot. At least he was able to send word to Gaius about his delay, but he’s mostly worried now about Arthur. He was never gone for this long, and Merlin could only imagine what excuses Gaius would come up with this time. I swear to all the gods, if Gaius mentions the tavern again, I’ll plague him with leeches, Merlin thought. He chuckled to himself - he knew he would never do such a thing. Still, beyond that, Merlin wondered how the prat was doing without him. As much as he would deny it to himself, he missed Arthur, and he was always worried sick for the man. He wished he didn’t have to do this quest alone, but he didn’t want to risk it knowing how powerful the beast was. Well, he may have overestimated it and gotten himself injured, but no matter. All was well now, again. Merlin can now see the castle and the tiny figures ahead which he knew was the lower town. Suddenly, a man emerged from the lower town, riding his horse so fast it’s as if he’s being chased. Merlin immediately tensed and braced himself, his magic humming to life within him. As Merlin saw the familiar blond hair of the man, he halted. Arthur spotted him as well and he rode faster towards Merlin. Arthur’s expression was full of concern as he approached. He got off his horse and held Merlin’s arm tightly, making him wince. Arthur immediately lets go as if burned, but touched him again gently. “Merlin, what happened?” “I–” Merlin was grappling for an excuse. He didn’t expect to see Arthur this soon. Hell, he was supposed to meet with Gaius first to tell him about what happened. “Merlin?” Arthur slackened his hold on Merlin’s arm and started fussing. Merlin grumbled in pain when Arthur touched his chest. “I fell off my horse accidentally,” Merlin exclaimed. “Accidentally?” Arthur asked, incredulous. “Yeah. I was too exhausted but I didn’t notice and I didn’t want to be gone for too long.” “Merlin, you were gone for three days.” "I know, I’m sorry,” Merlin said, placating Arthur. “I just need to rest, that’s all.” Arthur squeezed Merlin’s arm one last time before releasing him and mounting his horse. “I know you’re injured, Merlin. Only go back to work once you’re feeling better,” Arthur said. Merlin looked at him thoughtfully. Then he gave a mocking sigh. “Oh, thank you, sire. You’ve finally given me a day off!” Arthur rolled his eyes. “Not that you’re any useful.” Merlin laughed and it was immediately cut off by the pain in his ribs. Arthur shook his head and smiled. Merlin’s heart skipped at the sight. “Come on.” Arthur guided him to the physician’s chambers, with a hand around Merlin’s shoulders. Merlin slightly leaned unto him and memorized the feeling of having Arthur this close to him. Along the way, Arthur summoned a servant passing by and talked to her in a hushed voice. When they resumed walking, Merlin looked at him suspiciously. Arthur simply smirked and walked on, saying nothing. Merlin suddenly remembered Arthur riding out the castle earlier and asked, “Where were you going?” Arthur looked straight ahead. “What do you mean?” “I mean, you seemed in a hurry earlier until you found me. Where were you supposed to go?” They stopped in front of the physician’s chambers. Arthur released Merlin, only to touch his shoulder, then to the side of his neck. Merlin’s skin tingled from his touches. “I was looking for you,” Arthur said quietly. Merlin looked at him in surprise. Then, Arthur brought his hand down and took a step back. “I asked one of the servants to bring you and Gaius breakfast this morning. Make sure to eat then rest, Merlin.” Then he turned around and left. Merlin remained standing, feeling so confused and flustered. Arthur’s touches lingered, and he touched his neck, savoring the memory of Arthur gently doing so just minutes before. He shook his head as he entered Gaius’ chambers and winced once again. — In the following days, it’s become a routine: Arthur brought him breakfast, and by extension, Gaius. Merlin wondered why Arthur kept doing this, but he's also afraid to ask because he didn't want to push Arthur away. Since aside from the breakfast, Arthur also tended to him, in his own way. As he was doing now, Arthur dipped a cloth on a basin of water, and dabbed it on Merlin's face, his neck, and his arms, while being gentler on his chest. Merlin knows this isn't necessary - he wasn't poisoned, nor did he have a fever. But Arthur kept doing so anyway, and Merlin never protested. He reveled in Arthur's ministrations, in his tender strokes along his skin and taking his time doing so as if he didn't have a kingdom he needed to run. He kept doing this without fail, and Merlin's heart ached. He has never felt so cared for in a long while, ever since he left the safe haven of his mother's arms. "Merlin, are you alright?" Lost in his own thoughts, Merlin didn't notice tears prickling his eyes. He sat up, facing away from Arthur as he blinked them away. "Nothing, sire," Merlin said, giving him a weak smile. Arthur looked concerned, but didn't press. He took the basin and towel, then stood up. "As usual, breakfast is outside," Arthur said. He was turning to leave and Merlin couldn't take it anymore. "Arthur, wait." Arthur turned back towards him, a questioning look on his face. "Yes, Merlin?" "Why are you doing this?" The question rushed out of him before he lost his courage. He didn't want Arthur to stop his visits, but at the same time, he feels like Arthur is doing too much, and his skin has been prickling with the urge to touch Arthur, to be even closer to him. Arthur sat back down beside Merlin, basin and towel aside. "Because I want to." Merlin stared at him incredulously. "Unless it bothers you, then you can tell me any time to stop,” Arthur said, his expression becoming wary. "Don’t stop," Merlin blurted, then he blushed. Arthur looked amused and Merlin rolled his eyes. "It's just - why ?" Arthur stared at him long enough to be uncomfortable, but Merlin refused to look away. He felt that, whatever Arthur was about to say, it was important. Eventually, Arthur put a hand on his shoulder and said, "I thought I lost you that day, when I found you in the forest." Merlin's eyes widened. He remembered Arthur’s words on that same day. I was looking for you. "I know you weren't in the tavern, Merlin. I saw you just as you're about to leave. Even before that. You would go missing the next morning, but I believed that wherever you were headed, it would be important. And I didn't worry becauseI knew you'd come back. You always did." Arthur's hand slid down from Merlin's shoulder, and he clasped Merlin's hand. "But you were gone too long, Merlin. Even Gaius was worried. I knew then that I should go looking for you." Merlin felt Arthur's thumb rubbing along his hand. He thought Arthur didn't notice it. "First thing in the morning, I went out to search for you. But, as if the gods have heard my silent prayers, there you were. Alive." Merlin squeezed Arthur's hand. "Arthur, I'm here. You won't get rid of me that easily," he teased. Arthur looked at him then, eyes shining with unshed tears. "And I don't want you to." Merlin hitched a breath. Arthur brought a hand to his cheek. "Only if you want to." Merlin leaned forward and closed his eyes involuntarily. "I want you." Arthur closed the distance between them and kissed. It was slow and unhurried, as if everything else melts away and they have all the time in the world. They broke apart and smiled at each other. "Please don't leave yet," Merlin whispered. Arthur pressed a chaste kiss on Merlin's lips. "I'll see you again later, I promise. You need to rest, Merlin." Merlin sighed, pouting, but he nodded. Arthur chuckled. "Don't miss me too much," Arthur said casually as he stood up. "Believe me, I won't," Merlin lied. Arthur rolled his eyes. He hastily planted one more kiss to Merlin's lips before leaving. Merlin lied down on his bed, grinning like a loon. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Hurt/Comfort, First Kiss, POV Merlin (Merlin) Collections: Merlin Twitter Summer Exchange
Published: 2020-08-25
Words: 1468
You're Safe Now.
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"You... You have magic?" Arthur gasped out, "You're a sorcerer?" Merlin gave Arthur a solemn look, fear evident in his eyes. "Yes, Arthur." "God Merlin." Arthur said. "You must have been so lonely." --- (A reveal fic, bc you can not tell me that Arthur 'you're my only friend and I couldn't bear to lose you' Pendragon would really just sulk in response to that) --- Link to Français translation by the lovely SankaMalfoy in the notes. Notes Hiiii this trope is overdone i know but whatever i had an idea so enjoy this "You... You have magic?" Arthur gasped out, "You're a sorcerer?" Merlin gave Arthur a solemn look, fear evident in his eyes. "Yes, Arthur." Arthur put his head in his hands and stared at the forest floor, trying to figure out how to feel. "How long?" He asked quietly. Merlin gave a sheepish half-smile. "All my life; I was born this way," Arthur looked up, incredulous, "You were born this way?" He asked, "And you came to Camelot?!" "It is my destiny to protect you sire," Merlin replied, voice breaking, "I couldn't avoid it if I wanted to," Arthur sighed and gazed back up at Merlin again, unwilling to look him in the eye, but unable to look away. "So... All this time... For God's sake why didn't you tell me Merlin?" Merlin picked at his nails and choked down a sob. "Before, you would have told your father. He would have killed me." Merlin then flushed, ashamed. "After, I was just scared." Arthur felt a spike of guilt through his heart, it was his fault that Merlin was so afraid. "Who-" he coughed trying to clear the lump in his throat, "Who knew?" "My mother," Merlin replied quietly, "Gauis, Lancelot..." he deliberated with what counted as knowing. Agravaine had technically known. Arthur took his silence as the end of the list. "Only them?" Arthur's eyes were pained, "God Merlin." He gasped out. "You must have been so lonely." Merlin stayed quiet but tears spilled down his cheeks as he nodded slowly. "Listen, Arthur, I understand you probably don't want me around," Merlin said, who with all his power was still not strong enough to stop the cracks in his voice. "I'll leave-" He began, but was cut off when Arthur stood up shakily and walked towards him. Arthur stopped just infront of Merlin and held out his arms. Merlin flinched. "Shut up dollop-head." Arthur said thickly, before drawing Merlin into a stong embrace, holding onto him tighter than he'd ever held anyone. Both men stood like that for a long time, rebuilding trust and shedding tears they would both deny later as Arthur whispered reassurances to Merlin. "You're safe now." He repeated over and over. "You're safe." Works inspired by this one Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Crying, Ambiguous Slash, French translation available
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-27
Words: 367
Chapters: 1/1
Three Times Arthur Refuses To Hug Merlin And One Time Merlin Makes Him
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Merlin scowled, wondering why the hell Arthur Pendragon had such a beef with hugging people. Notes Fluffy, fluffy fluff! That's all I'm gonna say! ♡♡♡ See the end of the work for more notes “Well, thanks.” Arthur said, stepping closer to Merlin and raising an arm. It was very unlike Arthur to give hugs, but Merlin was not going to miss the opportunity when it presented itself. After all, if it weren’t for him, Arthur would still be having a troll as his stepmother. Merlin grinned and reached out to hug the Prince, but said Prince immediately jumped back and held out his hands defensively. “Woah! ”, he said, narrowing his eyes. Merlin froze, with his own hands still raised, mirroring Arthur’s posture. “ What are you doing?” “I. . . thought you were going for a hug.” “ No .”, Arthur said, drawing out the ‘ o ' dramatically, that prat. Merlin nodded, a little disappointed. "No. . ." They stayed in the same position for over a minute, before slowly dropping their hands to their sides cautiously, as if expecting the other to pounce on them if they let their defenses down. After giving Merlin a look that clearly said, ‘ You really are an idiot, Merlin.’, Arthur walked away. Sighing, Merlin reminded himself: Arthur Pendragon doesn’t do hugs. “So is there no chance that we could have a hug?” Merlin was asking for the impossible. He knew that. But if he put it across as a joke, as a sarcastic comment, maybe Arthur wouldn’t notice the longing in his voice. Arthur stood still for a moment. Merlin couldn’t see his face, because his back was turned to him. But he knew that Arthur would be glaring daggers. Slowly, the Prince spun around and stalked predetorily towards the boy. For a second, Merlin wondered if he was going to get a very aggressive hug (Merlin wouldn’t mind even that, as long as Arthur hugged him at all.) But instead, the Prince smacked him on the head in his usual not-hard- enough-to-actually-hurt manner and left the room, leaving Merlin pouting. It wasn’t really Merlin’s fault that he and Arthur were caught in the net. Okay, maybe it was. “I’m cold.”, he said honestly, shivering as the icy wind blew around the net that was suspended in mid-air. “What do you expect me to do about it, Mer lin? Cuddle with you?” , Arthur asked irritably. “Well, if you don’t want the two if us to freeze to death, then maybe that won’t be such a bad idea?”, Merlin asked hopefully, taking a different approach. Surely, Arthur can’t say "No" to a survival hack? “ No. ” , the Prince said acidly, and turned to lie on his side, facing away from Merlin, the net swaying dangerously in the process. Merlin scowled, wondering why the hell Arthur Pendragon had such a beef with hugging people. “How's Merlin?” Merlin could hear the worry in Arthur’s voice from where he was hiding, and he felt a little guilty for pulling this trick on him. “Bad news.”, Lancelot said, and if Merlin didn’t know him any better, he would have missed the mischievous touch to his voice. There was a brief silence. A heavy one. Merlin could imagine Arthur’s face muscles tightening as he faught back the tears. ' Would Arthur have cried if I was dead?' , Merlin wondered. (The Prince never cried.) But something told Merlin that Arthur most certainly would have. Merlin couldn’t do it anymore. He loved messing with Arthur, but pretending that he had died would be too cruel. So he walked in. “He’s still alive.”, Lancelot said, grinning and moving away to reveal Merlin walking towards them. Arthur almost laughed in relief. His eyes showed a fondness that the Prince would never willingly let be shown. Merlin went and stood in front of Arthur, bracing himslef for the tightest hug in history. So we can’t blame him for feeling completely let down, when all he got was a fim shoulder pat. That’s it. Merlin had had enough. He had almost died, and Arthur was still stubbornly refusing to hug him! “Oh, just hug me, you big Clotpole!”, he yelled, sounding annoyed and pleading at the same time. When Arthur just stared at him with an uncertain expression in his eyes and his lips drawn in a tight line, Merlin muttered, “Oh, for the love of God! ”, and threw himself at the Prince, wrapping his arms around him. He expected resistance; a hard shove and an indignant squeak from the blonde, and tightened his hold in advance. But neither the shove nor the complaint came. Instead Arthur pulled him closer and hugged him so tight that Merlin momentarily couldn’t breathe. He closed his eyes and revelled in the moment. ‘ Finally…’ , he thought to himself. When Arthur pulled back, Merlin made a small ‘Mmph!’ of protest and held on tighter. But the Prince was stronger and he peeled Merlin away from his body. Feeling a little sad that the moment was over, Merlin tried to step back, but before he could, a pair of lips came crashing on his. Arthur Pendragon was kissing him. Arthur Pendragon was kissing him! Now Merlin couldn’t breathe for an entirely different reason. Before he could stop his head from spinning and his heart from racing, Arthur pulled back with a fond smile, no longer bothering to hide his affection. “Now, now, Merlin. . .”, The prince tutted playfully. “ Look what you made me do.” End Notes ♡ The End. ♡ Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Hugs, Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), Quote: Conceal Don't Feel (Disney), Non-Consensual Hugging, But Arthur liked it anyway so..., Cute, Adorable, Touch-Starved, Fluffy Ending, Fix- It, Fix-It of Sorts Series: Part 15 of BBC Merlin fluff, Part 8 of BBC Merlin Fanfiction Collections: Merlin, Merlin, Merlin, MERLIN, BBC Merlin Rare Fair, Abby's Merlin Recs, Merlin Stories to Reread, Merlin Reverse Bang, MERTHUR, Merthur Fics, merthur fics, Merthur, Merthur, Merthur fics, Merlin Fanfiction
Published: 2020-08-26
Words: 867
Merlin's Kisses
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Merlin kisses everyone. Everyone except Arthur. Notes This is my first Merlin fic and I really hop eyou guys like it! See the end of the work for more notes Merlin kissed everyone. Arthur first noticed it when he saw Merlin saying goodbye to Gwen. Before he walked away, Merlin gave Gwen a light peck on the cheek. She blushed and Merlin grinned and waved and walked away. The next time Arthur saw Merlin kissing someone was when he was heading to Morgana's chambers. He hesitated at a corner, hearing voices. "Thank you, Merlin," That was Morgana. "It's no problem at all," replied Merlin. "See you later?" "Of course!" Arthur stuck his head around the corner just in time to see Merlin kissing Morgana on her cheek and walking away. Arthur hid himself away, wondering why Merlin was kissing Morgana. The next time Merlin kissed someone, it was one of his knights. The knight in question was a young trainee, whom Arthur had scolded for being late. He had felt only slightly guilty. Arthur sat next to the armory, listening to Merlin reassure the trainee. "The prince is an idiot. He yells at everyone, but he means well. He only want for you to be the best you can be." Arthur's heart swelled upon hearing those words. "Re-really?" The knight sniffled. "Yeah! Arthur's- oh, I mean, Prince Arthur wants you to be the best version of yourself. But the only way he knows how to help you is by shouting." After a few more minutes, the knight had calmed down, and Arthur heard a light smack, before a whispered goodbye. He scrambled to his feet and raced to his chambers, not wanting to be caught by Merlin. The next day, Lancelot and Gwaine were heading out on patrol, and Merlin kissed both of them goodbye. Arthur felt a rising sense of jealousy. Why was Merlin, his Merlin, kissing the knights? Since Arthur was noticing that his manservant kissed everyone, he also noticed that he wasn't being kissed. Merlin kissed Morgana, and some of his most experienced knights (Sir Leon always turned into a blushing mess whenever he was pecked), and the servants, but not Arthur. He thought maybe he had done something wrong. Maybe Merlin's kisses were a way of showing affection, and maybe Arthur didn't deserve that affection. The thought made him feel terrible. Where had he messed up? Arthur decided to bring up the point with his manservant one day. He was sitting at his desk, and Merlin was walking around, cleaning and talking. The chatter made Arthur feel happy, because it was so familiar and normal and so Merlin. "Merlin," Arthur said, interrupting his flow. "Yes?" "I have noticed," here Arthur folded his arms and leaned back in his chair, "that you seem to be going around kissing everybody." Merlin turned red. "Ah. That." "Yes. May I ask why?" "It's custom, in Ealdor. If someone's sad, or you're saying goodbye to someone, you kiss them. Makes them feel loved." "Why don't I get any kisses?" Arthur hadn't meant for it to come out so... desperate. Merlin faced him, and stopped moving. His eyebrows was traveling up. "Sire, you've never shown any liking for physical affection, or any kind of affection." Arthur scowled. "Just because I don't show any liking doesn't mean I don't like it." Merlin grinned cheekily. "So would you like me to start kissing you goodbye?" Arthur glared at Merlin. "Get back to your work, you idiot." Merlin got back to work. ___ The next day, Arthur had a council meeting about god knows what. Merlin had finished getting him ready, and instead of waving him goodbye like usual, he pecked Arthur on the cheek. Both boys turned a brilliant shade of scarlet, and Merlin mumbled a 'goodbye, Sire' and rushed out of his chambers. Arthur's blush didn't fade away for a few minutes and after it did, he put a hand to the place where Merlin kissed him and grinned. End Notes aggggg i love writing merlin. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, merlin being a cutie, so much flufffff, Kissing, a little bit of jealousy, Tooth-Rotting Fluff
Published: 2020-08-31
Words: 636
Three's always better than two, isn't that right, Merlin?
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Merlin is tasked with returning an inebriated king to his chambers. Notes See the end of the work for notes In hindsight, it was Merlin’s own fault. He had brought this upon himself when had challenged the king to a drinking game. Well, it had been Gwaine’s idea, but Merlin had followed through with it, knowing he could secure the victory with a little help of a spell. At the time, he had not thought to consider the repercussions. “We made it, sire,” Merlin stated, more than a bit proud. The long walk from the lower town to the citadel had been a breeze compared to the endless amount of stairs and turns they had just faced. Arthur had become very chatty in his drunken state and an inebriated king apparently wasn’t able to move mouth and feet at the same time. Arthur turned in his grip to face him, wound his arms tightly around his servant's body and rubbed his cheek against Merlin’s, his eyes falling closed. “Arthur,” was the king’s only response, seemingly content to fall asleep leaning on him. “What?” “My name... is Arthur.” “Yes, I’m aware,” Merlin answered, bemused. “Well, then use it.” “Right. Arthur.” The king let out a low hum, rubbed his cheek against his in a nod and clung even more tightly to him, digging his fingers into Merlin’s jacket. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.” Arthur gave no indication that he’d heard him. “Merlin.” The low, gravelly voice made him feel lightheaded himself. Heat shot into his face. He forced his voice to remain light and chipper. “Yes, Arthur?” “Thank you.” The king sounded incredibly pleased. “Wow! We should really get you drunk more often if that means you’ll finally show me some gratitude.” Arthur only hummed again in response. “Hey, don’t fall asleep on me!” He tapped Arthur’s back. “I’m not, I’m just comfortable.” To his credit, he sounded more sober than he had in the past hour. Which did nothing to quench Merlin’s growing, albeit conflicted, enjoyment of his current predicament. He forced himself into action. “Arthur, we need to be quiet inside, the queen is probably sleeping already.” “Yes, sire!” He exclaimed cheerfully, almost shouting in his ear. Merlin shushed him immediately. “Sorry,” Arthur mumbled, swaying forward a little. Great . This was going wonderfully. * Merlin opened the door only to reveal Gwen sitting by the fireplace, reading. “My lady. You’re still up?” “Merlin, what have I told you about how to address me in private?” Her tone was fond as she walked over to greet them. “I told him.” Arthur immediately latched onto Gwen and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Good evening, my stunningly beautiful queen,” he crooned. “May I have this dance?” He fumbled for her hands but was unsuccessful for they were currently busy holding him upright. Gwen failed to supress a laugh. “Oh dear. I think you belong in bed, love.” “I think you belong in bed.” Arthur swayed dangerously forward, and Merlin caught him before he could crush his wife. “I’ll take it from here.” Gwen seemed incredibly grateful for his assistance. “Thank you, Merlin.” She stepped close to peck him on the cheek. “Yes, thank you, Merlin,” Arthur parroted, his voice low, and did the same on the other side. Great . Just dandy. He was never getting Arthur drunk again. Ever . Merlin’s heart was beating wildly, and he could feel himself blushing furiously at being sandwiched between king and queen. He was painfully aware of the spot Arthur’s lips had just touched, his warm breath still lingering on his face, making his skin tingle all over. Gwen’s affection he was used to. Her hands holding onto his arms or his waist as she stood on tiptoes to press lingering kisses to his cheek were as familiar as her arms thrown around his neck, chin tucked into his shoulder, and the sweet smell of her hair in his nose as her body pressed flush against his, a pleasant warmth filling his chest. Arthur’s current show of affection for him, however, was downright bizarre in comparison. The man was so emotionally constipated, Merlin was truly surprised at how easily a few drinks had clouded his senses and made him lose control. As if to prove his point, he felt Arthur’s hand brush past his backside, seemingly trying to find a way under his tunic. Merlin’s heart was hammering against his ribcage. He shot a quick, cautious glance at Gwen, who was only watching them bemusedly, and then to Arthur whose eyes were flitting back and forth between him and Gwen, his lips slowly tugging into a smile. Merlin decided to interrupt his thoughts before the situation could get any more out of hand. “Alright, come on, I’ll take you to bed.” He regretted his words the second they were out of his mouth. “I’ll take you both to bed!” Arthur declared loudly, waving his arm around in a grand gesture, his cheeky grin softened by the alcohol in his veins. Oh god , this was getting worse by the minute. All the thoughts Merlin had not dared to entertain, that he had so desperately tried to supress all evening were unleashed this instant. He had deliberately not taken note of the way Arthur’s hair stuck up in the front, like it did in the morning, of how godlike he looked in his white tunic, the laces undone, showing more than a bit of skin, especially when it had slipped sideways as Arthur had stumbled on the stairs, the muscled shoulder right in front of Merlin’s face, close enough to touch with his lips (or even graze with his teeth), the smell of him and the warmth of Arthur’s body pressed alongside his own. He had thanked the gods that he was sober, otherwise he would have doubted the strength of his restraint, but Arthur’s carefree, unadulterated grin at his insinuation had now undone him. He mentally slapped himself out of his daze and risked another look at Gwen, who only pressed her lips together to supress a laugh, then turned away to hide it. Like she knew something he didn’t. Panic shot up his spine and sobered him up immediately. Had she seen something in his reaction? Could she know? He tried to calm himself. She couldn’t have noticed, he rationalized, he was standing with his back to her. And besides, that look might as well have been meant for Arthur, who in his drunken state was apparently out of his mind. And who had now plopped down onto the bed, legs hanging off the edge, regarding Merlin with raised eyebrows, apparently expecting something. Merlin gaped at him. “What are you waiting for? Undress me!” Merlin barely realized that his brain stopped working for a second before he snapped out of it and hurriedly crouched down to unlace Arthur’s boots. His face flushed at the thoughts running through his head. It was his job to help the king undress. Nothing more. He had done it a hundred times before. Thousands even. It was his job. His duty. Oh god , this wasn’t helping. Arthur had pushed himself up on his elbows to watch. Merlin worked the laces even faster and pulled the boots off one by one. “Good. Now yours.” Merlin stared up at him. The cheeky grin was back. Oh, Arthur was going to pay for this. “I’m leaving before you say or do anything else you’ll regret in the morning.” He quickly got up from the floor. “Regret? Why would I regr-” “Goodnight, sire.” With a short bow he turned around before Arthur could answer and bid good night to Gwen, who kissed him on the cheek once more, her lips and her hands lingering just a moment too long to be taken for a mere gesture of parting. She pressed another quick kiss to the corner of his mouth before she let him go. In apology, perhaps? * As he walked through the empty corridors of the castle, he vowed to wake Arthur extra early in the morning. And loudly! End Notes My first ever published fanfic. Wrote this mostly for my own entertainment because I needed a dose of soft bi!Arthur. Comments and criticism are always appreciated! Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/M, M/M, Multi
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Gwen/Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Merlin (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
Additional Tags: POV Merlin (Merlin), Canon Era, Fluff, Humor, Cuddling, Drunken Flirting, Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon is a soft/horny drunk, Merlin tries to control himself
Published: 2020-09-05
Words: 1326
The Heart of the Dragon
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The very first time Prince Arthur of Camelot met Prince Merlin of Mercia, Arthur was seven years old and Merlin was five, and there was that unfortunate incident with the toy dragon. Now they're in their twenties, and their fathers are trying to thrash out a peace treaty between the two countries, while Arthur has to escort Merlin on a high-profile tour of Camelot. Obviously it's going to be the very worst few days of Arthur's life. Written for the Merlin Mpreg Fest 2014. Notes Thanks to the lovely Fififolle for doing a super-fast beta at short notice. And huge thanks to the mods at MerlinMpreg for letting me post late! This also fills my hc bingo card square unexpected/difficult pregnancy. The very first time Prince Arthur of Camelot met Prince Merlin of Mercia, Arthur was seven years old and Merlin was five. Arthur didn’t really remember a huge amount about it, except that Merlin carried around a stupid stuffed dragon toy with him all the time. People said it was because he was homesick. They usually then said something along the lines of “awww.” He also remembered that Merlin was shorter than him, and had ears that stuck out too far, and that when people said “Isn’t he cute?” they were, for the first time ever, not talking about Arthur. And he remembered the photo session. The photo session had been Arthur’s very first PR disaster. Arthur had to stand with Merlin for photographs, and whilst Arthur was expected to pose nicely, as he had been taught, Merlin stood there clutching the dragon in front of him and half-hiding his face. Somehow this had produced more comments about cuteness, and more sighing, when clearly it wasn’t the right way to behave. So Arthur, because he was going to be king one day and had to lead the way, or so his father kept telling him, took charge. He grabbed the dragon by its tail, pulled it out of Merlin’s arms, and threw it to one side. Unfortunately as they were standing in the palace grounds very close to a huge and very historical fountain, and Arthur was quite strong for his age, the toy went swimming. Little Merlin had gazed for a moment in horror, his mouth hanging half open. And then, as his beloved toy rapidly sank, his face crumpled, his mouth opened wide and a horrible noise came out. Arthur thought it was all a bit much over a stupid toy, but he was the only one that thought so. Arthur’s nanny climbed into the fountain and retrieved the toy, but when he saw the soggy, misshapen thing Merlin just cried louder. Arthur the Dragonslayer! was probably the best of the headlines the next day though Arthur didn’t see them until years later. Most of the other headlines dealt with the wailing Mercian prince and a few were less than kind about Arthur. Merlin was removed from Arthur’s presence, which suited Arthur very well. Within a few days the peace talks between their fathers had fallen through and Merlin, his stupid toy and all the people who came to Camelot with him had gone home. And that was the last Prince Arthur saw of Prince Merlin for many, many years. --- One day, shortly after Arthur’s twenty-third birthday, Arthur encountered Merlin again. It was, Arthur decided very quickly, one of the worst days of his entire life. Arthur was the crown prince. The only crown prince of Camelot, and therefore the only crown prince that mattered. So he didn’t really enjoy having this foreign boy who had come in with the visitation from Mercia declaring himself to be a crown prince as well. Even though Merlin clearly was the crown prince of Mercia (for what that was worth), it was a lesser country and therefore Merlin was a lesser prince in Arthur’s mind. To be fair, Merlin hadn’t actually done the declaring. That was the annoying herald who had announced the arrival of the royal party. No, Merlin had stood there beside his father looking around him with some fascination. He’d had the cheek to smile at Arthur, and when that smile wasn’t returned he’d pulled a face. At Arthur . Nobody did that. Especially not people who had caused Arthur to briefly lose favour with his own press, and who were known to be able to cry at will over the slightest thing. Merlin wasn’t actually five any more, and he wasn’t shorter than Arthur any more either. He still had the sticking out ears that Arthur remembered, and Arthur suspected he probably still slept with that stupid dragon toy. The papers had all reminded him of the toy, and the incident, because of course they’d brought it up as soon as the visit had been announced. The Mercian royal family hadn’t been seen in Camelot since the incident so the journalists probably expected Merlin to still be five. Arthur glared at him. He supposed he could probably make Merlin cry again if he wanted to. It might brighten up the afternoon. Admittedly the initial smile had been attractive… very attractive if he were honest… but Arthur wasn’t going to forgive sixteen years of little digs from the press all that easily. He didn’t really see why they had to put up with the visitation anyway. Camelot was clearly the stronger of the two nations and could overrun Mercia using brute force if needed, even if Mercia did have those wretched dragons. His father was always telling him as much. The peace talks were just a sop to the weaker nation, and a slap in the face to Cenred of Essetir who had fallen out with both countries over it. If his father didn’t do so first, Arthur could see his own reign easily merging both nations and Cenred’s and maybe a few more too. In fact, if Merlin was king of Mercia at the time, Arthur would take great pleasure in swallowing up Merlin’s little kingdom within his own. He might even send Merlin a little stuffed dragon as a keepsake after he’d done so, in case Merlin started crying again. The thought was so pleasing that he wasn’t really listening to his father’s speech. It would be over soon and then Arthur would be able to leave, to change into something more comfortable and head out with his friends. He wondered if Leon could be persuaded to drop the horrible levels of security he liked to surround Arthur with and let him into a nightclub. The papers appeared to have forgotten about the last nightclub incident in the excitement over the Mercian visit. And it hadn’t been entirely Arthur’s fault anyway, he’d tripped on an uneven paving slab on the way out. It could have happened to anyone. He hadn’t been totally off his face, it was just unfortunate that the press had been right there, waiting… His father was talking about dragons, and restrictions, and neutral territory. Arthur had stopped listening as it was all beyond tedious. Merlin obviously thought so too, he was looking less happy by the moment. “…won’t you, Arthur?” The mention of his own name caught his attention. He had no idea what his father had just asked, but he smiled and nodded agreement. Anything to get the meeting over with. “Of course.” Merlin gaped at him in horror. “He wasn’t listening, he didn’t even hear what you said,” he accused. “Merlin, please.” Balinor reprimanded his son. “Remember why we’re here.” He looked to Uther. “I’m sorry, my son is a little headstrong. Hopefully he’ll learn a few manners whilst we’re here.” Merlin glared at Arthur but said nothing more. He was clearly bursting to do so. Uther raised an eyebrow at Merlin. Arthur knew him well enough to recognise disapproval, it was normally something he saw directed at himself. “Good, that’s settled. Arthur.” Uther waved a hand towards Merlin. Arthur suddenly realised that he was supposed to leave with the foreign prince. Hopefully it was just to show him to the guest quarters, and not to have to stand around having photos taken together again. He took a step forward, not hurrying, hoping that someone would enlighten him. He really needed to start paying attention at these things. “Come along then,” he said reluctantly. “I’m sure you’ll want to change.” Arthur would have wanted to change, whatever it was they were supposed to be doing. Merlin and his father had turned up in the Mercian ceremonial dress, or something close to it. It looked ridiculous, all billowing shirts and tight breeches and Arthur wasn’t sure whether it was the father or the son who looked worse in the outfits. The father, he decided, because despite how very annoying the Mercian prince was, Arthur could always appreciate what appeared to be a firm arse and wiry but strong legs. Even on Merlin. “I hope you haven’t brought any toys with you this time, Merlin,” Arthur whispered as they crossed the room together. “No fluffy dragons or anything.” “I was five ,” Merlin retorted. “Unlike you, I’m older than that now!” That was a matter of opinion, Arthur thought. Still, he only had to show Merlin to his room and then that would be an end to it. Perhaps he could vanish for a few days? He’d done that before, and his father would probably be so busy with the Mercian visit that he wouldn’t even notice. “Still, I could arrange for a cuddly blankie to be brought along. We like to look after our guests.” He stepped aside to let Merlin walk through the door ahead of him, glancing back to make sure his father saw how very polite he was being. It might have been wasted as Uther’s attention was fully on the rival king. “So where are we going?” Merlin asked. “To your room, of course.” Arthur had a sinking feeling that Merlin was about to tell him that there was more to his father’s instruction than that. He wasn’t wrong. “I meant after that. What are all these famous sights that you’re going to show me?” Merlin paused, and Arthur knew he hadn’t been quick enough to hide the dismay. “Hah! I knew you weren’t listening to your father! Well, Arthur, you’re my tour guide for the afternoon. Lucky me.” “I need full security before I go out,” Arthur put in quickly, ignoring the fact that he spent most of his life trying to avoid it. “Can’t just drop everything and go sailing around Camelot. Takes ages to organise. Father must have forgotten that.” “It’s an arranged visit,” Merlin told him patiently. “You just have to stand there and smile in the photos with me at each site, and we’ll be taken around in a car with lots of security. Surely you do this a lot?” Arthur didn’t like to admit that since a visit from Princess Vivian, which had culminated in some embarrassing front pages and an apology to her father King Olaf of Norway, Uther had mostly kept Arthur away from any visiting royals. He sat at feasts and nodded and smiled, and that was about it. He certainly hadn’t been trusted with their entertainment. However, he wasn’t going to tell Merlin that. “Of course I do. Now hurry along and change, you don’t want to be mistaken for a circus act!” “I’m not the one who gets his face plastered all across the papers every week because he doesn’t know how a future king should behave in public.” “Hah! Your face… your bawling face is across all the papers and has been all week!” “What five year old wouldn’t cry, being saddled with a pompous bully? That’s what it said, you know? All across the Mercian papers when the peace talks failed. You were a symbol for your bullying country, picking on little Mercia and a tiny little boy. That’s why I have to spend the day with you, as part of the PR, to show you’ve changed. But you haven’t, have you? You’re still just the same. What a horrible king you’ll make.” Arthur really didn’t like Merlin. “I won’t be weak,” he snapped. “Here, this is your room. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” “Don’t hurry,” he heard Merlin mutter as he walked away. Arthur had no intention of doing so. --- There had been no getting out of the tour. Arthur had tried, but his father was locked in talks with Balinor, and Leon was under strict instructions to ensure the tour went ahead. “But I can’t stand him,” Arthur protested. “Good practice for dealing with him when you’re both kings,” Morgana told him and Leon nodded agreement, the traitor. Arthur suspected that if Morgana said black was white Leon would nod agreement. “Why don’t you take him round instead?” Arthur suggested. His sister, as well as being the most annoying person on the planet (with the possible exception now of Merlin) was excellent at being totally charming when she wanted to be, and would doubtless be the wonderful hostess she always was. “Maybe,” and he thought this was a particular stroke of genius, considering how disloyal Leon was being. “Maybe I should suggest to father than you marry him and join the two countries together that way? How the papers would love that! What do you think, Leon?” As he’d hoped, his traitorous friend was looking utterly horrified at the idea. Arthur pondered pushing it further, just to serve Leon right, but Morgana put a stop to that. “Oh don’t be ridiculous, Arthur,” Morgana snapped. “Apparently the prince likes men as much as you do, although he’s not as indiscreet about it. It’s not me Uther intends marrying him to.” Arthur felt a sudden thrill of horror at her words, and although he did his best to quickly hide it, he knew the momentary shock had shown on his face. He narrowed his eyes at her. “ What?” “Oh!” She put her hands to her mouth in what was clearly not shock at all. “I wasn’t supposed to say that, was I? Oops.” He really hated it when she looked quite that pleased with herself. Worse, she’d glanced at Leon smugly. Perhaps Leon’s secret crush wasn’t quite so secret any more and that would be a pity because Arthur had spent many months now gently tormenting him. “I’d sooner spend the rest of my life celibate,” Arthur growled. “You both loathe each other so much, you probably would spend the rest of your lives celibate,” Morgana assured him. Leon’s phone buzzed for attention. He answered it, spoke briefly to someone, and then shrugged a little apologetically. “Sorry Arthur, Gwen’s wanting to know why the tour hasn’t started yet. The cameras are waiting and they want a clip for the lunchtime news.” “Oh, don’t keep your beloved waiting!” Morgana beamed, then gave a nasty cackle. Honestly, sometimes his sister was no better than a witch. Arthur left, Leon at his heels. “I really don’t know what it is you see in her,” Arthur muttered as soon as they were out in the corridor. “She was joking, wasn’t she? Father isn’t planning some kind of romantic outcome?” “No,” Leon began. “He…” “Spoilsport!” Morgana yelled from the room they’d just vacated. “I can hear you, Leon!” “Looks like it’ll be two of us celibate then,” Arthur smiled. “Bad luck. Now, carry on.” Leon looked back ruefully, but continued. “The king said, when the princess suggested it, over his dead body and he’d even rather have that awful Princess Vivian who was here last summer as his daughter in law than any freakish Mercian dragonlord. He said considerably more than that on the subject, but that was the gist of it.” It was cheering to know. His father was a wise man. --- Merlin was waiting in his room as instructed, sitting on the edge of his bed and looking fed up. He’d changed into jeans and a t-shirt, with a jacket made of some kind of odd-looking leather that was far too fitted to be stylish in Camelot but suited him anyway. “A few minutes?” he asked, when Arthur entered. “Are Camelot minutes so much longer than Mercian ones?” “I was called away,” Arthur told him pompously. “I am the crown prince, you know?” “I know you’re pretty rude,” Merlin muttered. “Come on then, let’s start this tour.” He walked past Arthur and out into the corridor, waited a moment for Arthur to catch up but Arthur knew that was because he didn’t know where he was going rather than out of any sort of politeness. “We’ll have a photographer with us,” Arthur told him as they strode along the corridor. “His name’s Gwaine. He’ll flirt with you, he flirts with anything that moves. It’s an instinct in him in the same way that most people have an instinct to breathe. Don’t make an international incident out of it, he’s harmless.” “I can cope with someone flirting with me,” Merlin growled. “Good. Didn’t want you crying or anything.” He heard a heavy sigh from behind him. “Oh don’t start!” “Getting tedious now,” Merlin warned. “Do you only have one joke?” “Not at all. Don’t shag Gwaine, by the way. Don’t want you getting knocked up. Again, international incident. Funny though.” “Funny?” “Well, you know.” Arthur turned to smile at Merlin. “You Mercian men and the pregnancy risk. I think it would make me stay celibate for the rest of my life!” “I’m sure the world would be grateful for that,” Merlin retorted. Arthur pushed open a door, strode through it and let it fall back in Merlin’s face. “Prat!” he heard muttered from behind him. “Girl,” Arthur retorted. He counted the silence afterwards as a win. It was far and away the most odd thing about the Mercians, and the subject of many jokes amongst the people of Camelot. Or at least it had been until the politically correct bunch had declared it racist and offensive to laugh about any male with a little or a lot of Mercian blood who happened to fall pregnant. Camelot liked to do it the old-fashioned way and have women bear children. Arthur had never met anyone, ever, whom he’d even consider settling down and having children with. He certainly wouldn’t be bearing them himself if he ever did. He could see Merlin’s sulky countenance reflected in the glass doors they were approaching. “Smile, princess.” Gwaine was always calling him princess. It seemed far more fitting to use it on the Mercian prince. He’d have to point that out to Gwaine later. “Our public await and want to see us nice and happy!” “They shouldn’t have saddled me with you for the day then,” Merlin told him, then pushed past him, opened the door and beamed happily around at the group of people waiting on the steps. “Hello! Are you taking us on the tour? I’ve heard so much about your beautiful city, I can’t wait to see it!” Arthur followed, trying not to roll his eyes as Merlin walked around shaking them all by the hand and professing his love for Camelot. The faker , he thought. He was obviously the only one who could see right through Merlin. “Ah, you’re Gwaine!” Merlin was being introduced to the handsome photographer, who was shaking his hand far too enthusiastically. “Arthur was telling me all about you. I think he’s got a bit of a crush.” And then he winked at Gwaine, who grinned back. “Ah yes, me and the princess go back a long way.” “Princess!” Merlin turned and gave Arthur a huge, far too smug grin. Arthur hated him all over again. It was, definitely, going to be the worst day of Arthur’s life. --- The state car that they were going to be driven around in seemed considerably smaller than normal. Gwen had ushered them inside, and then sat opposite them giving a long list of dos and don’ts at the various places they were going to visit. Most of them seemed to be directed at Arthur, which he thought was a little unfair given that Merlin was the one who was unfamiliar with the country. “…the important thing is that this whole visit gives a positive impression of unity between the two nations…” “She means don’t burst into tears if you lose your favourite toy this time,” Arthur clarified for Merlin. “Oh, I’ll be right here, don’t worry!” Gwaine grinned. He and Merlin had already hit it off far too well for Arthur’s liking. He suspected that all the pictures were going to favour their foreign guest far too much. Gwaine had already started snapping off pictures in the car, and Arthur didn’t think he was in any of them so far. Rather than suffer Gwaine’s never-ending attempts to get laid, Arthur chose to stare out of the window instead, watching the world race past at speed. People were looking at the car, but the tinted windows gave them no hint of who was inside. Sometimes it was like being in a goldfish bowl, always on show, unable to escape the public gaze. Across on the other side of the car, Gwaine was telling one of his jokes. His hand, Arthur noticed when he glanced over, was already on Merlin’s knee, and the Mercian prince didn’t seem to be in any hurry to push it away. Arthur wasn’t going to need to do anything to make this trip a disaster, he realised. Merlin and Gwaine were going to manage that all by themselves. He felt oddly irritated by that. Perhaps he was more inclined to help with his father’s peace talks than he realised, he wondered, and wanted to stop some embarrassing affair taking place. But no, Gwaine was often annoying. He was supposed to take all the official pictures, and frequently was out at Arthur’s side. Somehow, although he always took wonderfully flattering pictures of the king, the ones of Arthur didn’t always turn out as well. The first stop was the Mercian embassy, where they had to stand in front of the memorial to a brave Mercian diplomat who had, decades before, uncovered plans for an attack on both countries by Caerleon. The discovery had saved thousands, but at the cost of her own life. It had resulted in an uneasy truce between the nations and a unified attack and defeat of Caerleon, which had been divided between Camelot and Mercia as a result. After that, while things had never really been entirely friendly, the dragon-riding people of Mercia were no longer regarded as the enemy. Arthur solemnly laid a wreath beside the memorial, and watched as Merlin did the same. They stood for a moment, heads bowed, trying not to notice the steady click of Gwaine’s camera, and those of other photographers who had gathered. There was the usual line of diplomats to meet and greet before they got back into the car and headed for the next stop. Merlin, at least, seemed to be professional about the whole thing. He looked serious when required, and smiled delightedly when required. It was like watching a little wind-up doll, Arthur decided, conveniently forgetting that he was doing the same thing. Merlin did have a very attractive smile, though. He almost wished it was being directed at him instead of at Gwaine. Then one of the ever-amusing paparazzi would call out something to the effect of: “No tears this time then, Arthur?” and he would recall just how annoying Merlin actually was. The Tate had a special exhibition on loan from a famous Mercian artist, Cornelius Sigan, which they were supposed to walk around and admire. It was hideous stuff, Arthur thought, too much black paint and too many winged monsters for his liking. “It’s very bleak,” he commented as they rounded a corner and were faced with yet another demonic bird-creature. “Is all Mercian art like this?” “Why do you think we let you borrow it?” Merlin whispered back. “It’s hideous . He’s the worst artist in all Mercia.” If that was true, it would explain a lot about imported Mercian art. “Do you send all your rubbish over to us?” Merlin just beamed at him, which probably answered the question. Then he turned to Gwen, who was busy talking to someone on her headset and glancing at her watch. They were probably half a minute behind schedule, Arthur guessed. He leaned forward, pretending interest in the horrible painting in order to delay them further. He didn’t see why he should be the only one who was having a miserable time that day. “It’s wonderful to see how you’ve embraced our culture,” Merlin told Gwen. “But I’d love to see some Camelot art too.” Gwen glared at him and looked down at her schedule. “I don’t… there’s no time to fit that in. We have fifteen minutes before the boat needs to leave. Arthur, stop looking at that picture, we need to go.” “Bossy!” Merlin mouthed at Arthur, who started to smile back then remembered himself. He wasn’t going to let the Mercian prince work whatever magic he was managing on everyone else on him. “Gwen’s very professional,” he told Merlin haughtily, ignoring Gwen’s look of surprise. Perhaps he did wind her up a little too much on these official trips, but if she just relaxed a little he wouldn’t get the urge to tease her so. “Come along, we’ve got a boat trip. You’ll like that.” “What’s the Mercian connection?” Merlin asked suspiciously. “There’s a fine eighteenth century bridge designed by a Mercian architect,” Gwen answered enthusiastically. “We’ll pass under it. And then we’ll have lunch at the new revolving restaurant at the top of the Dragon Centre.” “That’s Mercian, isn’t it?” Merlin checked. “Well, of course it is, Mer -lin,” Arthur drawled. “The clue is in the name. Camelot doesn’t do dragons, even if it might not feel like that today.” Gwen glanced at him a little worriedly, then turned a friendly smile on the visiting prince, obviously trying to gloss over Arthur’s rudeness. “We want you to feel at home.” “I’m starting to feel as if I’ve stayed there,” Merlin agreed. The polished smile was, Arthur thought, slipping a little. --- It rained while they were on the boat, but then as that was typical Camelot weather Arthur wasn’t surprised. The bridge wasn’t terribly exciting, and when they disembarked, he noticed Merlin looking longingly across at the famous new opera house. Some people loved it, others hated it, but it was a huge attraction. “Will we visit that later?” he asked. Gwen shook her head. “No time for that. We’re aiming to promote this as a way to show how well our people work together, how thoroughly our cultures have already mixed.” “I’ll take you on a tour later if you play your cards right,” Gwaine put in with a wicked grin, nudging Merlin’s arm. “Show you all the sights…” “There’ll be none of that,” Gwen told them. “Arthur and Merlin will be in the royal box at the King’s Theatre, seven-thirty, to enjoy Heart of the Dragon .” “What’s that?” Merlin asked nervously, at the same time as Arthur groaned loudly “Oh no…” “It’s a famous and beloved musical,” Gwen explained. “Singing and dancing,” Arthur muttered. “With a big dragon puppet.” “It’s a love story across two cultures,” Gwen continued. “A Camelot boy is shagging a Mercian girl,” Gwaine added helpfully. “Their parents don’t approve, but…” “Don’t spoil it!” Gwen squeaked. “It’s wonderful, Merlin, you’ll love it. I’ve been five times, and it always makes me cry.” Merlin looked over at Arthur with an expression that was almost, almost pleading for help. He seemed to realise that he wasn’t going to get it, and gazed across at the new opera house building again. Arthur did feel a little sorry for him and didn’t take up the opportunity to put in a jibe about crying again. He didn’t think he’d appreciate being taken on a tour of all the Camelot tributes if… or as was looking rather likely when he had to visit Mercia. Bearing that in mind, he decided to step in. “What are we doing tomorrow, Gwen? Is anything planned?” “Lots of things. The zoo… there’s a new exhibit at the reptile house and then there’s a parade in the afternoon…” A parade. Sitting in a carriage waving at people. Arthur hated that. He could tell by Merlin’s expression that he did too. Perhaps they had more in common than he’d thought. “Cut down the time at the zoo. I know it’s a good one but not everyone enjoys the idea of caged animals. See if you can slot in a tour of the popular tourist spots instead. A proper one, with a double decker bus and a guide. It’ll go down well, look as if we’re doing the regular tourist thing. And see if you can find a space where we can visit the opera house. Maybe the Houses of Parliament too.” “But…” For a moment he thought she was going to either cry or start raging at him. Either was possible, Gwen was absolutely brilliant at organising any kind of state visit right down to the last detail, and he knew she would hate making any changes, especially this close to the event. Still, she’d planned out a positively hideous schedule for him, with his planned escape to a nightclub that evening ruined now with the prospect of a horrible musical, so he didn’t feel too guilty. Merlin was gaping at him in surprise, looking decidedly un-princelike, so Arthur added for good measure: “And see if you can fit in Westminster Abbey too.” Gwen’s nostrils actually flared for a moment. “Perhaps you’d like a ride on the Eye as well?” she snarled. Merlin beamed at her. “I’d love that!” Arthur managed not to laugh, though he could hear Gwaine almost choking behind him. Lancelot was hovering worriedly behind Gwen. He’d probably get an earful about spoiled princes later. Still, she was making Arthur go to a musical. And in the box he would be in full view and wouldn’t be able to go to sleep or get drunk. “Well then,” Gwen started tapping furiously on her tablet. “I’ll just sort that out for you both. No trouble, really. See if you can come up with any more ideas!” She turned away, so didn’t see Merlin open his mouth to do just that. Arthur quickly shook his head, and thankfully Merlin had the sense not to say anything until she had walked away. Gwen travelled in one of the other cars to the Dragon Tower, and didn’t join them for lunch. Arthur guessed she was probably trying to sort out the changes, but suspected she was also keeping away in case they asked for more. “Thanks for getting the itinerary changed,” Merlin said when they finally stopped having to meet what appeared to be half the staff of the restaurant and could sit down and eat. “I really wanted to see all of Camelot while I’m here, not just…” he paused as a waiter approached and filled his glass. When the man had moved far enough away not to hear and be offended, Merlin continued in a whisper. “Not just Camelot’s version of Mercia.” Arthur poked dubiously at the food that had been put in front of him and thought he could see Merlin’s point. “The opera building isn’t that interesting.” “Oh, it is. I’m studying architecture at university, the central staircase is a work of art. And there’s a Palladian manor a few miles outside the city that I’d really like to see as well. It has a miniature suspension bridge in the grounds and those are just fascinating. Did you know that…” Arthur held a hand up. “Stop. No geeking out over buildings. If I fall asleep in the…” he picked up a forkful of whatever the blackened, sauce-covered thing on his plate was and regarded it dubiously. “Whatever this is, Gwaine will take pictures, sell them anonymously to the papers, and then I’ll have to listen to my father shouting.” Gwaine had done it before. Gwaine thought Arthur didn’t know it was him. Arthur wasn’t stupid. “It’s chicken,” Merlin told him, taking a mouthful. “Seared in dragonfire, or probably in this case the grill, and then sautéed in herbs and ginger. National dish. Eat up, if you’re lucky we’ll get pickled toad eyeballs for the main course. They’re a real Mercian delicacy!” Arthur hoped he was joking. There was a little twinkle in Merlin’s bright eyes as he spoke. “I love toad eyeballs,” Arthur replied, hoping fervently that they weren’t actually a thing. “Eat them all the time.” Merlin gave him a huge, disarming grin, then looked around for the waiter. “Don’t even think about it!” Arthur warned. “You’re breakfasting at mine, remember?” “Promises! Don’t let Gwaine hear you say that,” Merlin whispered. “He might get ideas.” And then he gave Arthur a look that, if Arthur didn’t know better, he would have thought was Merlin having ideas of his own. But that couldn’t be. Arthur took a bite of the chicken, and tried not to think about Merlin. But that was difficult when the man was sitting right there next to him. Fortunately the Mercian businessman who owned the restaurant had trotted out both his son and daughter for the event and was trying to engage Merlin’s attention at every opportunity. It was something that happened to Arthur frequently, and he could tell that Merlin was just as used to it by the politely interested replies that he was giving the man. Actually, Arthur thought, it was quite nice not being the one who had to suffer the attentions of a would-be father-of-the-consort. He took another sip of wine. Across the room Gwaine was helping himself to the buffet that had been put out for their entourage, and still managing to snap numerous photos at every opportunity. He saw Arthur looking, and winked at him. That probably meant he’d managed to get a shot that Arthur wouldn’t like. It usually did. Arthur gestured to the waiter for a refill, and hoped the meal wouldn’t go on for too much longer. --- The meal went on for two hours. By the end of it they’d had to listen to speeches from both the Mercian ambassador and the Mercian businessman, and several other people whose names and positions Arthur had already forgotten. Merlin had been monopolised for the entire time by people wanting his attention, and that had got tiresome quite quickly. Arthur was used to being considered the most interesting thing in the room unless his father was around, and often even then the eligible young prince tended to attract more social attention than the king. It was a curious change, and although it was in some ways a relief, Arthur thought that perhaps Merlin was turning out to be a bit better company than he’d always assumed, and he would have liked the chance to explore that discovery a little more. No chance, with them barely able to exchange more than a few words at a time before they got interrupted. When they finally got outside and Arthur saw the cars waiting, he barely suppressed a sigh of relief. He climbed in after Merlin and collapsed wearily onto the seat next to him. “God, that was tedious!” he sighed when the door was closed. Gwen was obviously still angry with him as she had taken the other car again to make herself less accessible. She did that from time to time, when he’d annoyed her during some official event. It was supposed to remind him who was actually in control, Lancelot had admitted once. Arthur supposed that Lancelot was reminded of the fact constantly, though as his bodyguard seemed blissfully happy with his domestic arrangements that probably wasn’t a bad thing. Now Arthur would have to spend the rest of the day relatively ignorant of what he’d be doing next. Apart from the musical. There would be no escape from that. He glanced at his watch. Four hours away. “Where are we going next?” Merlin asked. Arthur shrugged, not wanting to admit that he didn’t know. “Probably more of the same.” He tried not to examine the feelings that the disappointed look on Merlin’s face gave him. To his surprise, they stopped only a few minutes later, right outside the Camelot Eye, the huge sightseeing wheel that had been erected as part of the Millennium celebrations. There was, as always, a very long queue, probably made even longer by their arrival. Merlin looked over at it hopefully. “Do you think we’re going on that after all?” “If we are, you can bet you won’t be able to admire the sights because the owner and half the shareholders will be riding with us. Plus any eligible offspring.” Merlin shrugged. “At least it’s a proper tourist site.” The car door opened, and he scrambled out. Merlin really was far too undignified and enthusiastic to be proper royalty, Arthur thought as he followed him. He couldn’t help also thinking that it made a refreshing change. Gwen gave Arthur a stern look when he exited the car. “This wasn’t easy to arrange. Just make sure you both change very fast when we get back to the palace. We can just barely fit this into the schedule.” “You’re a star, Gwen,” Arthur assured her. “Yes!” Merlin agreed, and for a moment Arthur thought he was going to hug Gwen. He just fidgeted awkwardly instead and Arthur wondered if he’d just stopped himself. He wondered what he was going to have to do to get a hug. Then he shook his head, wondering where on earth that thought had come from. “Thank you so much for this.” “Just doing my job,” Gwen told him, but she looked pleased. She never looked particularly pleased when she was dealing with Arthur, he’d noticed. “Come on, you don’t want to miss the VIP car.” The wheel had slowed right down, almost to a standstill. It was never fast-moving, and Arthur supposed Gwen had pulled a few strings. Luckily it was a tourist crowd, and most of them seemed more interested in taking pictures of the royal visitors than in complaining at the delay. Arthur waved and smiled dutifully as some of the sightseers started to call out to him. Always on display. He hated it. One of the tourists called out something to Merlin, who ducked his head embarrassedly, blushed a little, then smiled and waved rather self-consciously. It provoked a squeal of delight from the crowd. Arthur could understand that, the blush was strangely endearing. He looked away before anyone noticed him staring, and walked a little faster. “Come on Merlin, keep up after Gwen’s gone to all this trouble,” he whispered. They hurried into the car, and Arthur was relieved to see that only a few people followed them. His bodyguards Lancelot and Leon, a couple of Camelot Eye staff, and Gwaine with his camera. Everyone else stayed behind. The two staff seemed to only be there to serve champagne, which was fine with Arthur. He thought it might mellow him enough that he would be able to cope with the dire musical later. As the doors closed, and they started to slowly move away, Merlin pulled out his phone. “I’m supposed to come back with pictures for my little sister,” he explained. “She’s missing me, and she wanted to come too.” Arthur hadn’t met Freya, but he’d seen a few pictures. Petite and fey, she was probably even more prone to crying than her older brother. “We’ll pick out some of the less dire ones that Gwaine’s taken for her.” “Oi! Right here,” Gwaine pointed out. He’d already got hold of a glass of champagne, had settled down on the bench and didn’t look as if he was going to take any more pictures for a few minutes. “She’s better off not coming on this one. She’d be bored,” Arthur admitted. “This isn’t the most exciting of tours. What is she, nine? Ten?” “Nine. But she wanted to meet Princess Morgana.” Merlin was smiling fondly just at the thought of his sister. Arthur couldn’t imagine ever feeling like that over Morgana. They’d fought for as long as he could remember. Though if anyone ever hurt her… He put that disturbing thought to one side, and tried not to imagine that the fond expression on Merlin’s face was actually directed at him. “Apparently your sister is the most beautiful woman on the planet and Freya wants to be just like her when she grows up.” “Heaven forbid! One is enough.” “She was charming to me when we met this morning. Much nicer than you were.” Well, of course Morgana would have already made sure she met the Mercian delegation. Arthur wasn’t quite sure when or how she’d done it, but that was just typical. “Don’t believe a word she tells you. She’s an evil witch.” Merlin raised an eyebrow. “Okay. She said I was to let bygones be bygones, and that you’d changed, and that you weren’t the same horrible prat you were when you were seven. Is that wrong? I mean, judging by your earlier behaviour I thought it probably was, but now…” “No, obviously she’s right about that,” Arthur put in hurriedly. He wondered just what Morgana was up to, though he had an idea that she was still trying to matchmake. He looked at Merlin, appraisingly. It wouldn’t be such a bad idea. He’d certainly had worse options. Merlin gave him a quizzical look. “What?” “Nothing,” Arthur shook his head. “Morgana just has some strange ideas sometimes. Champagne?” The waiters were obviously listening as they were immediately at Arthur’s side, offering up flutes of sparkling alcohol. Arthur heard the click of Gwaine’s camera shutter as he handed Merlin a glass. Often he wished his life wasn’t so public, that he could get to know someone quietly, privately, away from the constant scrutiny. Merlin’s life had to be the same, although Mercia apparently didn’t have quite the same fascination with celebrity and royalty that Camelot did. Anything he said might be repeated back to the media by either of the two waiters, and Gwaine was always threatening to write his memoirs. It was probably a joke, but you could never be sure with Gwaine. Still, there were ways… Arthur held out his hand for the phone. “I’ll take one of you up here, your sister will like that.” After Merlin had posed for a couple of shots, Arthur took the opportunity to key in his private number. “Just in case you get lost on the tour, Merlin. We don’t want any more pictures of you crying in the papers.” Merlin rolled his eyes, but took the phone back with a half-smile. A few moments later Arthur’s phone bleeped softly. “Prat,” was all it said. But still, it meant he had Merlin’s number and a way to communicate privately. Merlin, with his hair mussed where he’d run his hand through it, who was grinning back at him cheekily and tilting his champagne flute in a mock salute, leaning against the rail, all of Camelot spread out behind him. Faintly, Arthur heard the click of Gwaine’s camera yet again. --- There was no sign of the king when they returned to the palace. George, his father’s horribly correct PA, was waiting at the door to Arthur’s chambers with a message. Uther wanted a full report on how the day had gone during their breakfast meeting the next morning. Arthur hated breakfast meetings. They weren’t so much breakfast as crack of dawn meetings. Sometimes it was still dark outside, occasionally even in the summer. He knew his father tended to hold them when he suspected Arthur was going to be hungover, or likely to let him down in some other way. Uther had told him as much after the nightclub incident… one of the nightclub incidents. “How are the talks going?” Arthur asked, pausing before going into his rooms. George drew himself up to his full height (which was still only up to Arthur’s shoulder) and puffed out his chest a little. “I’m not at liberty to divulge such things.” Arthur was heir to the throne. He was going to be king one day. He’d be redeploying George into a job more suited to his skills and Arthur’s good mental health at the earliest opportunity. “Fine. Tell my father that I’ll see him in the morning.” George strode off importantly. Arthur reluctantly set his alarm for six. Unless the evening was a disaster and he got an early night, he’d be tired all day tomorrow. --- The evening was not a disaster. Arthur knew it wouldn’t be when he walked down to the foyer, Leon at his heels, and saw Merlin already there, talking to Morgana. In black tie, still flushed and slightly damp from the shower he looked good enough to eat. Morgana of course looked fabulous in her deep green evening gown, but then she always did. “Arthur, finally!” He wasn’t late and he knew it, so he just ignored her. “I apologise for anything my sister has said or will say to you,” he told Merlin as they headed for the car. “She’s been charming,” Merlin insisted. “Hah!” “I have stilettos on,” Morgana called over her shoulder. “I’ll be sitting beside you, brother dear. Be nice.” Arthur was going to see a musical with singing and dancing dragon puppets. With his sister and entourage there to ruin the fact that he would be sitting in a darkened room for several hours with the distractingly tempting Mercian prince. He didn’t feel particularly nice, even when his feet were being threatened with GBH. “You see?” he whispered to Merlin. “Witch.” Morgana, however, was surprisingly pleasant in the car for most of the journey. She looked even more smug than usual, and spent most of the journey either asking Merlin questions about his homeland or distracting Leon from doing his job. Arthur thought that unless any would-be assassin popped up from between Morgana’s breasts, then his bodyguard wasn’t likely to notice. “Is it true,” Morgana asked, leaning forward and giving them all an eyeful that Arthur thought he might need counselling for, “that in Mercia, it’s the men who give birth?” Merlin glanced at Arthur, then down, blushing adorably. “Sometimes. Some men. Usually only those with dragonlord blood. There’s a spell…” “You have dragonlord blood, don’t you?” “Morgana!” Merlin looked a little uncomfortable, but nodded. “You don’t have to answer her questions,” Arthur told him. “Honestly, Morgana. We’re not here to interrogate him.” “It’s okay,” Merlin assured him. “See? He doesn’t mind. So did your father have you or was it your mother?” “Well… I’m the heir so it had to be my father. But Mum had Freya.” “Ah.” Morgana sat back, regarding Merlin with quite a predatory look on her face. “So… You’ll have to carry your heir?” “Morgana!” “Yes. It removes the question of succession, you see. There’s no doubt, can never be any doubt, that the child is the rightful heir to the throne.” Merlin glanced at Arthur again, then away. “And you choose, when the time’s right. There are never any accidents. The child’s always wanted. It’s a good way.” “And it wouldn’t matter if you married a man or a woman either? A huge step forward for gay rights.” Morgana smiled at Arthur, and there was definitely smugness there. Evidently she hadn’t given up on her earlier ideas. Arthur, however, was no longer adverse to them. Although it would be strange having a pregnant male partner. Mercians were certainly different. “Some male dragonlords marry other men,” Merlin told her. “And some marry women. And some female dragonlords marry women too.” “And,” Morgana asked, glancing at Arthur and ignoring the pointed shushing motions he was making. “Which will you be marrying, Merlin?” “Leave him alone, you harpy,” Arthur hissed. “He’s marrying me!” Gwaine yelled from the front seat where he’d been relegated. “So hands off!” Arthur revised his opinion of Gwaine. He had his uses after all. Merlin lost the rabbit caught in headlights look that he’d gained since Morgana’s interrogation had started, and gave a small, relieved laugh. “Yes, that’s right, I’m marrying Gwaine.” “You heard it here first!” Gwaine called. “Now get those puppies out of his face, Morgs. You’re wasting your time!” Morgana just smiled at Arthur, and when he scowled back at her she looked more smug than ever. Even when they arrived, and she was posing for the sea of photographers, Arthur didn’t think she looked as pleased with herself as she had at that particular moment. Merlin and he waited patiently whilst the media got their fill, though only Gwaine was allowed to follow them inside for official shots. Arthur supposed that Gwaine was probably one of the few who had managed to get shots of himself and Merlin outside the theatre as well, given the love affair everyone had with Morgana and her low-cut dresses. Arthur hated the theatre. It wasn’t so much the theatre itself, actually he appreciated a good production, it was more that he hated where he had to sit. It was almost always in a box, in full view of the audience and cast, and at an awkward angle to the stage. He looked enviously at the people down in the stalls, or even up in the cheap seats. They all blended in together, nobody stared at them and if they happened to fall asleep or look bored during the production, nobody would take much notice. If Arthur so much as stifled a yawn it would be all over the papers. “Ladies first!” Morgana announced as they entered the box, and flounced over to the seat nearest the stage, pausing for a moment to enjoy the ripple of applause and wave to their fellow theatre- goers before she sat down. Merlin sat beside her, and Arthur found himself in the third seat. It was probably the least visible of the three, which was something to be vaguely grateful for. It also, he realised as he sat down, meant that he could watch Merlin instead of the play if he wanted to and nobody would notice. Leon and Lancelot were sitting at the back. Gwaine had vanished, doubtless taking advantage of the bar and his expenses sheet. Merlin turned to smile at him. “It’s a beautiful theatre.” Arthur tried to dredge up some useful and interesting fact about the place from a visit a few years ago when it had been refurbished, but he couldn’t think of a thing when Merlin was smiling at him like that. “It’s quite old. Very old.” Morgana looked across at him pityingly. Fortunately he was spared any further embarrassment, as the lights went down and the orchestra began to play the introduction. It was loud and dramatic, and completely over the top. As it turned out, that set the scene for the entire show. The star-crossed lovers at the centre of the drama warbled tearfully that they could never be together, whilst the vast dragon puppets sailed around them and the orchestra thundered and tinkled in turns. Merlin was, Arthur thought, very good at pretending that he was enjoying it. He clapped enthusiastically in all the appropriate places, laughed at the jokes, and gasped with everyone else when the giant dragon puppet suddenly appeared in a flash of fire in the middle of the stage. Even Arthur thought that bit was fairly good. When the curtain went down for the interval, Merlin was applauding almost as hard as the people down in the stalls who had come dressed up as the protagonists. “That was brilliant!” he enthused. Arthur had mostly just enjoyed watching Merlin and had thought the musical as ridiculous as he had expected, but he wasn’t going to admit to that so he just nodded. “I liked the bit where the dragon exploded onto the stage.” “Yes! And the smaller puppets were very clever. Someone has studied how they move and got it just right. It’s really effective. They should tour in Mercia, people would love it.” “You can tell them that when we have to meet the cast afterwards,” Arthur told him. “I will!” Merlin glanced back at the closed curtain, and it suddenly occurred to Arthur how handsome the male lead was. He wondered if it was actually the dragons that Merlin was interested in. The second half was just as loud and over the top as the first, and Arthur allowed himself a brief comfort break whilst the dragons were roaring their fury at the supposed demise of the heroine. Lancelot followed him, and they made their way along the deserted corridor to the gents. The advantage of the uncomfortable box seats were that they could leave without disturbing anyone, and there was no queue, but having to avoid going out during the interval also meant that he always had to miss part of the play. “I suppose Gwen is threatening to join the republican movement again?” Arthur asked as they walked back. “Merlin sent her flowers earlier as a thank you for rearranging things. She thinks he’s wonderful. You, not so much,” Lancelot admitted. Everyone loved Merlin, apparently. And if Arthur did the same thing it would just look as if he were copying now. They were approaching the little stall near the stairs that sold snacks and programmes and, because the musical was so popular, souvenirs. “I could get her chocolates,” he suggested, looking at the uninspiring range on offer. Perhaps a call to Thorntons in the morning might be better. “She’ll think you’re sickening for something,” Lancelot advised. “No, don’t worry. Gwen’s worked for you for long enough, she knows what you’re like.” There was a small, plush dragon staring at him from the top of the stall. It was various shades of green, and had a small heart dangling from the collar around its neck. Arthur picked it up and looked at it. “Honestly, Arthur, she’s fine with Merlin’s flowers.” It was very similar to the little toy Arthur had ruined years ago. Arthur knew, he’d seen enough pictures of the wretched thing. “I’ll send her some next week, when the visit’s over. She does a good job, we don’t appreciate her enough. I’ll tell her as much.” He turned the dragon over, checked the price, and then looked at Lancelot a little sheepishly because nobody had thought to put any money out when they left him his evening clothes back at the palace. “Can you lend me fifteen pounds?” --- Merlin glanced up briefly when Arthur took his seat, but he was still enthralled by the show, which appeared to be nearing its dramatic and noisy climax. Arthur couldn’t help watching his reactions rather than the play. Dragons aside, Merlin was more entertaining. He regretted it a few moments later when he realised Morgana had noticed, a knowing smile playing about her lips. He knew he wouldn’t have to wait long before the teasing started. He’d probably made her evening. Arthur, apparently, was the only person in the audience who hadn’t loved the show. The cast had two standing ovations, which Merlin joined in with enthusiastically. Arthur had never given anyone a standing ovation in his life, and he was somewhat mortified to be doing so for a singing and dancing dragon. Still, the cast were beaming happily up at them, and Merlin was grinning back delightedly… yes, that lead actor really was far too good looking. They were ushered out to some stairs away from the main exits that would, Arthur knew, lead down to the backstage area. He knew all this routine, shaking hands, congratulating them all on a wonderful performance and almost sleepwalked through it. The sooner it was over with the better. Merlin didn’t seem to have picked up on that, and stood chatting with the two leads and the main puppeteer for ages after they had gone down the line-up. Gwaine didn’t help, insisting on taking pictures of him with the cast and the dragon. Arthur was aware that Morgana kept glancing down curiously at the bag Arthur was carrying. Not knowing what was in there would probably be killing her. He clung on tightly, resolving not to hand it over whilst she was around if he could help it. That actor really was smiling far too much at Merlin though. “What’s in the bag?” Gwaine asked, poking at it because Gwaine was just nosey and didn’t stand on ceremony with anyone. Except the king, whom he flattered and photoshopped in equal measure. Uther wasn’t kidding when he commented that Gwaine’s pictures took a good ten years off him. Never was an employee in less risk of losing their job. “A souvenir.” Arthur moved it as far from Gwaine as he could. Unfortunately that put it in easy range of Morgana, who grabbed it eagerly and peeked inside. She handed it back with a knowing smile. “Oh Arthur,” she said softly. “That’s terribly sweet.” And then she grabbed Gwaine by the arm, and dragged him over to the giant dragon puppet, demanding that he get on with his job and take pictures of her with it. It was as far away from Arthur as possible to get without actually leaving. The more publicity-hungry members of the cast (which included, Arthur was pleased to see, the male lead) gathered around her like moths to a flame, leaving Merlin momentarily abandoned. Arthur took the opportunity and moved to stand beside him. “Still want your little sister to meet Morgana?” he asked. Morgana was climbing up onto the dragon’s back with the two leads, recreating one of the major scenes except with added show-off princess. Her dress was doing very little to cover her legs, and Arthur could imagine how delighted their father was going to be in the morning when he saw the pictures in the paper. Perhaps they wouldn’t be in the early editions and he would be spared the ranting… “Freya would adore her,” Merlin told him. “Though our father would probably have something to say if he thought his precious little princess was being led astray.” “Not your mother?” “She’d probably join in. No, you’re right, Morgana shouldn’t meet either of them.” They both laughed, though Arthur couldn’t help wondering wistfully what it would be like to have a mother like that. He didn’t think it would be something he could ever really feel embarrassed about. Morgana’s mother had been cool and distant towards him, and it had been no great loss when she’d scandalously divorced their father and abandoned them all. At least she’d left Morgana. He would have hated to lose that horrible harpy who was his arch-nemesis and best friend all rolled into one. “Very wise. Oh,” Arthur tried to make it sound like the most casual thing in the world. “I got you this. To, you know, make up for the one I drowned.” He handed over the rather crumpled bag, and watched Merlin’s expression go from puzzlement to delight as he reached in and held up the dragon, laughing. “I love this! Thank you!” Just for a moment Merlin moved as if he were about to kiss him, then thought better of it and hugged him instead. “Thank you!” Merlin felt every bit as good as Arthur had supposed, warm and vital against him. He let the embrace linger, only pulling away reluctantly when Merlin gave a little chuckle, and the motion sent a little frisson of want through Arthur. It was, Arthur realised, time to stop avoiding the attraction he was feeling and do something about it. Because Merlin would be gone in a few days, or sooner if their fathers screwed up the talks. Merlin held up the little toy, grinning broadly, though Arthur didn’t miss the faint flush across his cheeks. “Are you trying to crush this one instead of drowning it?” “I wouldn’t mind trying.” Arthur knew he was grinning right back like an idiot, but he didn’t care. “Hmm, I was right about you. Poor dragons don’t stand a chance. Lucky it’s your sister up on that model and not you or you’d be trying to slay it.” Arthur didn’t look, because he was far too distracted by the way Merlin’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he spoke. But if he had, he would have seen that from her vantage point high on the dragon, Morgana wasn’t missing a thing. --- There were far too many people in the car on the way back. Not for the first time, Arthur wished he was just a regular member of society. It was almost impossible, if he was interested in someone, not to carry out every moment of the courtship with someone watching, even if it was just the bodyguards. It was so much more difficult when the object of his affections was his opposite number in a rival state. Merlin was whisked away by Balinor as soon as the car arrived back at the palace. The Mercian king looked tired and drawn, and just about managed a civil greeting to Morgana. He might not even have noticed Arthur had Merlin not called out goodnight to him, and even then it was barely a nodded acknowledgement that he got. It didn’t bode very well. Wearily, Arthur made his way back to his rooms, repaid Lancelot for the toy, and collapsed on his bed. Finally there was a little peace and quiet. That lasted almost fifteen minutes, before there was a rap on his door. “You opened that very quickly,” Morgana pointed out as she swept past him. She’d changed into a baggy sweatshirt and a pair of leggings and she still looked as if she’d stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine. “Expecting someone else?” Arthur didn’t bother asking who. “Did you want something, Morgana?” he asked wearily, wandering back to the bed and sitting down on the edge of it. “Only it’s been a long day…” “Merlin’s nice.” “Yes, he is. Is that all?” “I see you bought him a present... Well, strictly Lancelot did, but…” She paused, seeing his face. “Oh come on, do you think Gwen wouldn’t already have told me that? I hope you’ve paid him back.” “I have. Is there anything that man does without telling his wife about it? Aren’t there privacy rules written into his contract?” “I don’t think they cover the purchase of small furry dragons,” Morgana mused. “It was very sweet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you do anything so sweet. It’s a whole new fluffy side to you. I like it. If this is the effect he’s had already, I can’t wait till you start shagging him. You’ll be so much nicer!” “It was just a spur of the moment thing,” Arthur sighed. He was starting to regret it already. “Yes! You don’t do those. You were rapidly turning into a dreary and boring replica of our father.” Arthur was no such thing. He went out with his friends all the time and had lots of fun, lots of wild times. Or, at least he went to bars and clubs with Gwaine and got drunk, while Leon or Lancelot stood beside them looking either worried or disapproving. But it was fun. Usually. Sometimes. “The papers don’t think I’m boring.” “No, they think you’re a joke.” That stung. “At least I’m not a clothes horse.” But he knew people loved Morgana because of her charity work. She did as much as his mother had once done, and could wear all the fancy dresses in the world, nobody would ever think of her as a joke. She knew it, as well, not even bothering to acknowledge what he’d said. “I hope you’re not going to be rude to Merlin.” “Why are you so keen on this?” Arthur sighed. Morgana never encouraged any of his liaisons, ever. “Why do you think? He’s a dragonlord, Arthur. He can pop out the royal heir and spare, which, given your preferences, means I won’t be expected to continue the line. Plus he’s a sweetheart. I’d love him as a brother-in-law. And let’s not forget the whole political angle, and the advantages there.” “I’m not marrying anyone for political reasons,” Arthur growled. “Quite right. Did I mention he’s a sweetheart? He’d make you happy. And besides, you already adore him, I can tell.” Right on cue, Arthur’s phone bleeped with an incoming message. “Is that him?” It was. There was a little photo attached of the dragon toy and ‘See you in the morning, thanks again for this. X’ Arthur couldn’t help smiling at it. Especially the X. Morgana gave a disgusted sigh. “Oh you’ve got it bad, you should see your face. I’m going before I puke. Just remember he’s only here for as long as those talks last. And they aren’t going well. Move it, Arthur!” And with that she left, closing the door behind her and leaving him to his thoughts. --- Breakfast with his father went just as well as Arthur had expected. It was far too early, and Arthur had spent far too long the previous night sending texts back and forth to Merlin. Uther was in a bad mood. He wasn’t enjoying the peace talks, he hated the idea of being forced into some sort of alliance when he would vastly prefer just to overrun Mercia and take it over. “In the old days we wouldn’t have bothered with talks,” he told Arthur. Arthur thought of Merlin in armour, scarred and bruised but defiant. It was a delicious image. He wondered if the Mercian prince might be interested in roleplay. That could be fun. Still, he wouldn’t have wanted to fight him for real. “I suppose that boy is as empty-headed as he looks? Are you managing not to make him cry this time around?” “Actually, he’s quite clever. He’s been studying architecture. They’re constructing a new palace and he’s helping design one of the wings.” Uther gave a contemptuous snort. “What use is that to someone who’s heir to the throne? Politics and Business, then go into the military for a while. Excellent grounding. Two years in the RAF did you the world of good, didn’t it?” Two years in the RAF, not allowed to be posted anywhere dangerous, quickly promoted beyond what was reasonable, and then discharged before he’d been allowed to do anything useful. It had done nothing for him other than emphasise how different he was. And instilled a love of flying. That, at least, was something. “Yes, Father.” Uther grunted in what might have been approval. “Well, do what you can with the boy. It won’t be for long, these talks aren’t going well. Balinor is an idealistic, narrow-minded fool. As if I’d ever let his wretched dragons over Camelot skies. Can you imagine if they ran into a plane? The carnage. They might…” Arthur couldn’t really see any reason for that to stop the advent of a time of peace. He let his father’s voice wash over him, and thought of blue eyes and a bright smile. --- Gwen had looked quite startled when Arthur arrived in the foyer a good fifteen minutes before they were due to leave. He’d gone looking for Merlin, but apparently Arthur wasn’t the only one who had to have an early meeting with their father. Waiting near the car seemed a good idea, and it had the added bonus of appeasing Gwen, who had managed to fit in a quick visit to the new opera house for them before they went to the zoo. It was Merlin, in fact, who was a few minutes late, running into the foyer without the slightest attempt at dignity. Arthur wondered what sort of etiquette they were taught in Mercia, as it was starting to look questionable as to whether there was any at all. “Have you even tried to comb your hair this morning?” Arthur whispered as they climbed into the car. “Honestly, Merlin, it looks as if you fell out of bed on your head!” He opened up the little compartment in the back of the seat in front of him, and rummaged through to find a comb. “Here.” Merlin made some attempt, but his hair was sticking up in very odd directions when he’d finished so Arthur grabbed the comb and did it himself. There was an audible click from behind him. “Print that picture and I’ll have you put in the tower, Gwaine,” Arthur warned. He didn’t look away. Merlin’s face was very close, watching him, half-amused, half something else. His hair was very soft. Arthur really, really wanted to throw the comb away and just run his fingers through it. And kiss those lips. Definitely that. “It’s priceless. Are you trying to replace his mum?” Gwaine laughed. “I am nothing like his mother,” Arthur growled at the same time that Merlin gave a little yelp of horrified protest at the idea. “For a start, I would have taught him better personal grooming…” He heard Gwaine snort with laughter, and then the click of the camera again. Gwaine was definitely heading for the tower. --- Apparently the opera house had been fascinating. Arthur couldn’t see it himself, but he’d enjoyed listening to Merlin enthusing about it and had walked around with him, claiming he was getting an education. They had a couple of cameramen from Mercia with them as well, filming the second day of the tour for a brief news item on Mercia TV as apparently it was more interesting than the snippets that were coming from the conference. Gwaine was a bit put out about their being there, although it had been some of his pictures in the early editions that morning that had been the main cause. Arthur doubted he would be portrayed kindly on the broadcast, he’d seen a few stories in the Mercian papers over the past few years and even without the dragon toy in the fountain incident, they hadn’t been impressed with his nocturnal escapades. He tried not to think about them being there, and concentrated on being pleasant and charming. The zoo was more to Arthur’s taste than the opera house. It was privately owned and newly opened. There were animals, after all. Lions and tigers and things that he knew about. And penguins, which apparently they were going to be allowed to help feed. He was quite looking forward to that. But first, they had to visit the reptile house then perform the official opening ceremony that afternoon. It wasn’t so much of a house, unless the house was the size of an aircraft hangar. “This,” Mordred Black, the rather young managing director of the zoo, told them proudly as he led them past small lizards and snakes in large glass cases, “is our newest exhibit. No other zoo has one in captivity. We’re the first.” He beamed at Merlin. “You’ll be particularly interested in this one, your highness.” Arthur suddenly had a horrible sense of foreboding. The reptile house was, after all, far too large for all the small creatures that they were passing. “Perhaps you should tell us what…” he began, but it was too late. The double doors they were being taken through opened up to reveal a huge pen dug down well into the earth and that rose up to the domed ceiling of the reptile house. And there, right in the middle of it, curled up on a rock and shivering miserably, was a small white dragon. Merlin gave a cry of distress and raced to the glass, pressing his face against it. The little dragon raised its head and looked towards him, then gave a plaintive, wailing call. Arthur could see Merlin react to it, staggering a little, almost as if the call had physically hit him, and he ran to the man’s side. “Merlin? Are you okay?” Merlin gazed at him in confusion, almost as if he were looking at a complete stranger, then looked back at the dragon. The creature was struggling to its feet now, shaking out stunted little wings. “I need to go to him.” The dragon gave another cry, and Merlin gasped as if it had hurt him, then started moving along the side of the cage, searching for a way in, pressing on the glass. “Let me in.” He sounded dazed. Arthur stared for a moment, then turned to glare at Mordred. “Let him in. Unlock the door.” The man took a step back. “It’s a dragon!” “Well, I can see that!” Arthur snapped. “What the hell were you thinking of? He’s a dragonlord! Open the door.” “It’s priceless… and it might be dangerous…” “It won’t harm him.” Arthur didn’t know a lot about dragonlords, but he was fairly certain of that one fact. He was aware that the cameraman was still filming and that he was unlikely to come out of this well, but that would all have to be dealt with later. “They have some sort of bond. Now open the door! ” He shouted the last few words, and Merlin turned to look at him, eyes wide with concern. “Arthur, he’s frightened.” “We’ll get you in there, don’t worry,” Arthur assured him. He glanced back at Mordred, who was just standing there apparently at a loss as to what to do. “Unlock the door, that’s an order! Now!” A female employee of the zoo made the decision for him. She hurried forward with a key and quickly opened the door to the cage, standing back immediately as Merlin rushed past her and raced over to the dragon. He greeted it in a foreign tongue, his voice sounding deeper, stronger than Arthur had ever heard it. “What’s he doing?” Mordred breathed. “God, if that thing attacks him…” “Of course it won’t attack him!” Arthur snapped. He wasn’t quite sure what Merlin was doing, but he was fairly sure from the way that the little dragon was behaving that the Mercian prince was quite safe. The dragon was struggling to stand up, and was trying to rub his head affectionately against Merlin’s chest. The crying had stopped, although it was making other noises. Merlin seemed to be responding, almost as if they were talking to each other. Arthur wished he’d bothered to find out a bit more about a dragonlord and what they could do. “Perhaps we should shut the cage door?” Mordred wondered. “If he’s really safe… those things can be dangerous.” Arthur glared at the man, seeing his cowardice for what it was. He certainly wasn’t going to stand for Merlin being locked in anywhere. “The only thing that’s dangerous here is that you’ve seen fit to capture a dragon! There are laws…” “It was crippled!” the man exclaimed. “The law states if they’re crippled it’s kinder to keep them in captivity. It would die out in the wild!” “Not in Mercia,” one of the cameramen pointed out. “There are protected parks where we let them live out their days. It’s not captivity, and they’re run by charities. My kids love going there at the weekends. None of the dragons are shut in like this. They’d hate it.” “Sounds like the sort of place this one should go to.” Arthur looked back at the dark pen. He wondered if the zoo had employed any real experts on dragoncare. On impulse, he walked in, ignoring the worried protests from Leon when he did so. Merlin was sitting with the dragon now, getting it to lift its wings so that he could look closer. Arthur slowly walked towards them, not wanting to startle the beast. “How badly is it hurt?” he asked softly. “Bad enough,” Merlin answered without looking around. “Someone’s deliberately clipped his wings. He’s young, we might be able to do something to help him if we get him to a specialist right away but he’ll never be able to fly as well as he should if he hadn’t been maimed.” The dragon gave a low wail as Merlin started to stretch out his second wing, and Merlin immediately stopped and began making soothing noises. “Sorry… sorry, it’s okay, shhh… I need to get him out of here, Arthur.” Arthur had gathered that much. He crouched down beside Merlin, still speaking softly so as not to scare the frightened creature further. “Tell me what you need. Gwen’s got a whole team of people on the end of her phone, we’ll have him home in no time.” “Thank you.” Merlin looked up, briefly. “Someone cut him, Arthur. I’ve heard about this in other countries, I didn’t think Camelot would do it. It’s to get around the law, have a captive dragon through the loopholes. It’s a clean, debilitating slice.” Arthur held his gaze steadily, trying to convey his own sincerity. “Camelot didn’t do this. One greedy citizen did it and I’ll have them closed down for it. And I’ll sort out getting your dragon home. So, details, Merlin. Tell me what you need.” --- If anyone had told Arthur a week previously that he would be sitting in the cargo hold of an aircraft in a special custom-built crate with an injured young dragon and the heir to the Mercian throne, and flying back to Mercia in said crate, he would have laughed at them. The hold was pressurised and temperate, and there were all sorts of health and safety guidelines in place for take-off and landing, but all the same he was in the cargo hold. The little dragon (Aithusa, Merlin said he was called) was extremely well behaved, though Arthur supposed that was largely due to Merlin. Aithusa lay quietly for the entire flight, with his head resting in Merlin’s lap for most of it. At one stage he even let Arthur take Merlin’s place while the young dragonlord stretched his legs. It was an amazing feeling, having the abused creature trust him enough to do that, though Arthur noticed that as soon as they hit a little turbulence Aithusa was looking round for Merlin again. Gwen had been amazing. Arthur was sure she needed a promotion after this. She’d organised the flight, called a number Merlin had given her to ensure there was a sanctuary waiting to receive them in Mercia, and had then cancelled everything they were supposed to be doing for the rest of the day. Probably her team had done much of it, but it had all been very fast, very slick, and removed any risk that Merlin and his people might think they’d had anything to do with the cruelty shown to the little dragon. Arthur had vague recollections of shouting a lot, particularly at the income-hungry Mordred and his staff. He hadn’t been able to help himself, Merlin had been horribly upset by the plight of the dragon and Arthur didn’t like seeing the dragon or Merlin in such distress. Shouting, he supposed, was probably something he’d learned from his father. Gwen’s kind heart meant that she had needed no encouragement at all for her part in it, he’d seen her eyes well up with tears when Merlin had shown her the damaged wing, and she’d been on her phone in moments. He supposed that the cancellation of the rest of that day’s tour, and most of all the fact that he was flying off to Mercia with no notice and little in the way of security, was going to earn him one of the more memorable breakfast meetings with his father tomorrow, but right then he didn’t care. He was content enough, sitting there, watching Merlin with the dragon. “We’re starting our descent,” the pilot’s voice came over the intercom. “Either strap yourselves in or hold on tight.” Merlin looked up, and caught Arthur gazing at him. He smiled, and Arthur thought perhaps it was the same warm, gentle, adoring smile he was giving the precious dragon. Arthur didn’t think anyone had ever looked at him like that before. “You’d better strap yourself in,” Merlin told him. “I’m staying in here with you.” Merlin shook his head. “If you want to help, sit outside and put on a seatbelt. If it’s a rough landing, you’ll be more help if you’re safely out there than if we’re both crushed by an unintentionally flying dragon.” Aithusa gave a mournful little cry, and Merlin bent over him again, stroking his neck, and said something in the dragon tongue. “He’s worried he’s going to hurt me.” “He’s not the only one.” Arthur had helped lift Aithusa onto the trolley that had transported him to the plane. The dragon might be small, but he certainly wasn’t light. “Don’t risk it, Merlin. Come and sit out there with me. Aithusa wants you to.” The dragon gave a plaintive wail, which Arthur hoped meant he agreed. “And you’ll ruin the peace talks if you get squashed. I really want those peace talks to work, don’t you?” Merlin looked up, and there was that loving look again. Arthur thought he could drown in it and die happy. “Oh yes. I’m not done with Camelot yet.” “I’m not done with Mercia either,” Arthur whispered, leaning close to breathe in Merlin’s ear. They really were the most ridiculously large ears, and possibly the most adorable at the same time. Arthur wondered if he was losing it if he was focussing on Merlin’s ears now, of all things. “I’m not done with their prince. I don’t want him hurt, or worse. I’d like to take him back to the palace after this, and go on a private tour…” Merlin’s eyes widened slightly, and Arthur could see a faint blush starting to colour his pale skin. “…just the two of us. I’d like to take him back to my rooms, and lock the door, and take…” Aithusa drowned out what Arthur wanted to take with a lengthy diatribe of his own. Merlin looked up at Arthur a little sheepishly. “What did he say?” “Um… he’s really happy for us that you… um… want to mate with me and he thinks we should breed a whole herd of little dragonlords… but can we both stop now because he doesn’t want to hear all the details.” “Cockblocker,” Arthur told the white dragon, though there was no malice in his voice. Aithusa just gave a little sneeze… although a little sneeze, even for such a small dragon, resulted in a tiny puff of smoke. The pilot called over the intercom again that they needed to strap themselves in, and Arthur got up. Merlin, he could tell, was going to stay exactly where he was. He was more than tempted to do the same himself, but Merlin was right that he needed to be safe and ready to help if things went wrong. “Be careful,” Arthur warned, and then on impulse leaned down and kissed him. Merlin tasted of hope and promises and the horrible coffee they’d been given on the plane. It tasted better on Merlin. “I’ll see you when we’ve landed.” The smile he got back was nothing like the one Merlin gave the dragon, nothing at all. --- The dragon sanctuary was an amazing place. Percival, the head ranger, was a giant of a man who boarded the plane as soon as it landed. He seemed to know Merlin quite well, and Arthur tried not to feel jealous at the friendly way Merlin greeted him. Aithusa seemed happy enough with the newcomer. Just a few hours with Merlin had calmed the dragon right down. Getting Aithusa’s crate off the plane was a lot harder than getting him on there, but Percival’s team managed it, and soon the little dragon was safely in a warm and dry stable where he could rest and be examined and treated. Percival was convinced they would be able to heal most of the damage, and hoped that in time Aithusa would be strong enough to fly again. As Merlin was busy with the dragon, and likely to be for some time, Arthur took some time to call Gwen and find out what was going on at home. Unsurprisingly his father had already heard about the trip and was furious. Arthur wasn’t looking forward to their return. To kill time he wandered around the yard, peering into a couple of the stables but they all appeared to be empty so he walked back into Aithusa’s stall and leaned against the wall, waiting. He supposed this was what it was like for Merlin, visiting Camelot. Everything was slightly different to what he was used to, and he wasn’t the crown prince that everyone was interested in. In a way, it was a refreshing change. Someone gave him coffee. It tasted different to anything he’d had in Camelot, slightly more bitter with a stronger aroma, very good. He would be asking Merlin to send him some, he decided. One of the cameramen had left, presumably taking their footage back to the studio, but the other one was still busily filming Merlin and Aithusa. When Merlin finally got up and obviously very reluctantly left Aithusa to Percival’s care, the cameraman stayed focused on the dragon. “Dragons are very important to my people,” Merlin explained as they left the stable. “It’s rare to use a plane in Mercia, most of our travel is via these beautiful creatures, and they have countless other powers. Whoever crippled Aithusa would be committing an act close to treason as far as we’re concerned.” “You’ll have the full support of Camelot in finding the perpetrator,” Arthur promised. “You have my word.” “Thank you.” Merlin looked up at the sky worriedly. It was starting to grow dark now. “Have you called home? I don’t want your father thinking we’ve kidnapped you.” Arthur shrugged. “He knows where I am. Apparently he’s in a foul mood. There was supposed to be that big parade this afternoon, remember? So I’m in no hurry to go home.” He looked around. “Where are the dragons? I’d like to see them.” “Mostly out hunting, probably. They roam very freely here. You could meet my father’s dragon, if you like. He lives here when my father doesn’t need him. If he’s in a good mood he might even let us ride him.” “Or he might eat me,” Arthur pointed out. “Possibly.” That didn’t make Arthur feel any more confident, although he took heart from the fact that Merlin smirked when he said it. --- Kilgharrah was the biggest dragon Arthur had ever seen. Admittedly he was only the fourth dragon Arthur had ever seen, one being Aithusa and the other two being a couple of small green dragons that had flown overhead whilst he was walking with Merlin down to see Kilgharrah. He was almost as big as the plane they’d flown in on, and the gust of air as he flew down to meet them made Arthur stagger back a little. “Young Emrys.” The dragon inclined his head a little in a respectful bow. “And the Pendragon boy.” There was no such bow for Arthur. “Two sides of the same coin.” Arthur didn’t like this dragon as much as Aithusa, he decided. Boy, indeed. “He likes to sprout about destiny,” Merlin whispered. “You should have heard him when we announced the trip to Camelot. He’s very old and comes out with some strange things.” “Not so old that I can’t hear you, young dragonlord,” Kilgharrah rumbled. “You have not succeeded your father yet.” “Why can I understand him?” Arthur whispered. “I couldn’t understand Aithusa.” “With great age comes great wisdom,” the dragon replied. “I have knowledge of many tongues. Can you say the same? Or would you go from country to country, expecting everyone to learn your language and making no effort of your own to learn theirs?” It was the latter, but Arthur didn’t think he would dignify the dragon’s accusation with a reply. The great beast’s huge head moved closer, examining him. Arthur tried not to flinch, even when he could feel the creature’s warm breath. “That’s enough,” Merlin warned. “I brought Arthur out here to meet you. Arthur could make a difference, if he could see dragons can be good, peaceful creatures…” Kilgharrah laughed at that, loud and hard. “Ah, young dragonlord. You and Arthur are destined to make a great change, to bind your lands together and build a new Albion. Yes…” Arthur looked up, waiting for the dragon to finish. The huge scaly head was focused on him, as if Kilgharrah was assessing him. And then, completely without warning, he was engulfed in a blast of cold fire from the dragon’s nostrils. For a moment it was all Arthur could do not to scream, expecting a searing, probably fatal pain. There was nothing, just a gentle warmth throughout his body as if he’d drunk a warmed wine on a cold day. Merlin was yelling furiously at the dragon, who appeared to be just mildly amused. “I’m okay,” Arthur assured him. “Merlin, I’m okay.” “You should listen, young Emrys. Now take your mate and climb up on my back. I will take you both back to Camelot.” Mate… There was something satisfyingly primal about the term, and Merlin didn’t seem to be rejecting it. In fact, he was giving Arthur a small, slightly self-conscious smile. Arthur was starting to see what Merlin saw in these dragons. Kilgharrah was considerably larger and more terrifying than sweet little Aithusa, but at least he accepted what Arthur hoped was his blossoming relationship with Merlin. If only their fathers were likely to be as approving. Ah yes, his father… “Dragons are banned…” Arthur began, but Merlin shook his head. “Not always. As long as we call ahead we’ll be okay. How do you think we arrived?” That, Arthur realised, was probably why they had been wearing those strange outfits. Merlin had fetched them both a couple of thick overcoats and a pair of gloves before they’d gone out to see the dragons. Arthur had been getting overly warm during the walk and grumbled they were unnecessary, but they didn’t seem enough now. “Won’t we be cold?” “He’s like a furnace,” Merlin assured him. “Come on, call Gwen or Leon or someone. Get us clearance. Kilgharrah knows the approved route. Have Gwaine waiting at the other end to take photos, he’s probably still sulking about being left behind when we left with Aithusa and the Mercian camera crew.” Arthur did as he was bid, and was a little put out to find Gwen wasn’t at all surprised that they would be flying back. Apparently he was the only one who hadn’t seen Kilgharrah arrive with the male side of the Mercian royal family on his back a few days earlier. In the meantime, Merlin was climbing up onto the dragon’s back. He looked natural, right at home there, and Arthur supposed that he probably was. Cautiously, Arthur took the hand that was held out to him, and climbed a little awkwardly up behind Merlin. “You’ll need to hold onto me,” Merlin told him. “Don’t let go.” Arthur had no intention of letting go of Merlin. Ever. He wrapped his arms around Merlin’s waist, pressing his body up close and resting his chin on Merlin’s shoulder. “This is already feeling like the best way to travel,” Arthur breathed into Merlin’s ear. “Very cosy.” “Yeah, I can feel how cosy you’re getting. Don’t get any ideas.” “Too late!” Arthur snuggled closer, letting one hand slip inside Merlin’s heavy coat and start to explore, trying to find a way under his shirt. Kilgharrah gave a mighty roar, glared back at the pair of them, and then took off without any warning at all. If Merlin hadn’t grabbed hold of Arthur’s wandering hand, he thought he might have fallen off and been left behind. Arthur clung on grimly as they rapidly ascended, and decided he wouldn’t be trying anything further with Merlin until they were safely back down on the ground. Obviously the dragon didn’t approve of them enjoying the ride too much. The initial ascent was fast and breathtaking. The dragon sanctuary grew smaller beneath them, and he could clearly see the lights of the courtyard and the road beyond. Further in the distance were the dark shadows of the Mercian mountain ranges, vast and oppressive, a single road that cut through them provided the only light there. The cold evening air rushed past their faces, but Merlin was right about how warm the massive dragon was, and anyway it was a good excuse to keep his face close to the warmth of Merlin’s neck. “Okay?” Merlin asked as the dragon levelled out and started to head towards the mountains. “It’s amazing,” Arthur breathed. “I never thought it would be like this.” Merlin pulled away and turned to look back at him. Arthur knew his own delighted grin was probably equal to the one splitting Merlin’s face. “I knew you’d love it!” Arthur just nodded, still smiling. Merlin settled back down and Arthur drew him close again. He could feel the strength of the creature beneath him, and see the powerful wings beating steadily. And far below them the tiny road that would, he thought, eventually lead them home. --- The flight took several hours, and by the time the lights of Camelot came into view, impossibly bright against the night sky, and unmistakeable, Arthur was starting to ache from clinging on with his arms and legs for so long. He could tell Merlin felt the same from the way he was starting to fidget. “Keep still,” boomed Kilgharrah. “This sea of light blinds me, I need no further distractions.” He was staying high, Arthur noticed. They had flown low over the Mercian valleys and Arthur had enjoyed the view. But once they reached Camelot Kilgharrah had climbed higher, making them harder to spot. Arthur could imagine why. He had no wish to be shot down by his own people, protected route or not. The Eye, the Houses of Parliament, the Shard, the vast river running through the city… all of them were visible in the distance, looking like little toys. And as Kilgharrah finally began to descend, flying low over Hyde Park, Arthur could see cars and finally people all staring up at them and pointing. Kilgharrah sailed so low over the Wellington Arch that Arthur thought they might hit it, then they were past, and he could see Constitution Hill and the palace. They were over the walls, and down into the privacy of the gardens in moments. It hadn’t been the most subtle and inconspicuous of arrivals, but Arthur didn’t care. He waved enthusiastically at Gwaine, who was there with Gwen and Morgana, recording it all. “That was brilliant!” he yelled as he slid off the dragon’s back. “Amazing! You all have to try it. It was just…” He turned to watch Merlin slide down after him. “Amazing! Really, truly…” “Amazing,” boomed Kilgharrah. “Oh my God it can talk!” Gwaine gasped, and started taking more pictures. He stopped a moment later, seeing the dragon’s disapproving glare had been turned towards him. “ He ,” Arthur emphasised, glad he hadn’t made that particular faux pas, “is very old and wise and can speak many languages.” “Creep,” Merlin whispered. “He… oh.” Arthur didn’t need to look to see why Merlin’s suddenly sounded so apprehensive. Their respective fathers were striding across the lawns. Neither looked particularly pleased. “Balinor, get that thing out of here before it eats one of the corgis!” Arthur wouldn’t mind if Kilgharrah did, they were annoying, yappy little things that were always getting under his feet and had on several occasions alerted his father to just how very late and drunk he had arrived home. Balinor rolled his eyes, and just for a moment Arthur could see the family resemblance with his son. “He won’t touch your dogs.” He held out a hand in greeting to the dragon. “Thank you for bringing the boys safely home. Are you in need of food before your return?” “We have corgis,” Arthur whispered to Merlin, who couldn’t quite stifle a giggle. Uther looked at them both furiously, and Merlin straightened, immediately serious. “I will feed when I reach Mercia.” Kilgharrah bowed his head to King Balinor, then turned to look at Arthur. “Enjoy your destiny, young Pendragon,” he rumbled. “What was that?” Uther spluttered. “Was that a threat? Did that thing just threaten my son? Balinor, you agreed these creatures were to be kept under control!” There was no mistaking the contemptuous snort that Kilgharrah gave. The great dragon spread his wings and rose up into the night sky, evidently having had enough. “He’s magnificent,” Arthur breathed, watching him go. Uther looked less impressed. When Arthur turned to his father, he could see that he was about to pay for his exciting day and, probably more so, for his sudden enthusiasm for dragons. “Inside, Arthur.” Arthur’s shoulders slumped, the fun part of the day definitely was over. He followed his father back to the palace, Merlin at his side. --- “It was a parade, Arthur! Have you no idea how much those things cost? Roads were closed, diversion signs went up. And you vanished. We’ve had to close Black’s zoo down temporarily while there’s an investigation as to how they acquired that damned dragon! He’s threatening to sue!” “So am I,” Balinor put in quietly. “We have agreements. If he tries to make a fuss about this, he’ll regret it.” Uther, not used to being interrupted, even by fellow kings, glared at him then carried on. “What do you think it says to people when you can’t be bothered to show up? It’s not as if it’s difficult, sitting there in a car smiling and waving! You’ve managed it before now even when you’re hungover! In fact you usually manage it hungover! What were you thinking of?” “The dragon needed to be taken to a sanctuary quickly, and couldn’t go through the trauma of the flight without a dragonlord,” Merlin put in. “There were only two dragonlords in Camelot, and we could hardly pull my father out of the talks. So I had to do it and Arthur helped me.” “Very commendable,” Balinor agreed. “It was just an animal!” Uther sputtered. “It could have waited. It wasn’t dying!” “Actually they’re very intelligent…” Arthur began. “Silence! Don’t argue with me! I knew your behaviour yesterday was too good to be true. Morgana.” He looked to his daughter. “You’ll be accompanying Merlin for the rest of the tour. I hope you can show a little more common sense than your brother.” Morgana gave Arthur a brief, sympathetic look. “I don’t think Arthur did anything wrong…” “He rode a dragon through Camelot! People saw him! What kind of message does that send out?” Uther glared at Gwen who had just entered the room and was hovering in the doorway. “And what do you want? You’re lucky I don’t fire you for allowing this to happen! Did you organise this circus?” “Don’t blame Gwen,” Arthur put in, and was almost drowned out by Morgana and Merlin saying more or less the same thing. “She does a good job.” “Thank you,” Gwen walked forward, carefully not looking at Uther, and switched on the TV screen in the corner of the room. “I think you all need to see this before anyone does anything hasty.” It was a news broadcast from CBC1. There was footage from earlier in the day, at the zoo, showing Aithusa interspersed with footage of Merlin comforting the dragon and Arthur raging at Mordred. Arthur watched himself, detached as if it were a different person. He’d thought Gwen had done everything, but he appeared to be furiously ordering people around and had helped lift the dragon into the transport when it arrived. He winced, as he saw himself bellowing at the director of the zoo, seeing the man cringing before him. He would do it again in a heartbeat, but he knew his father was going to be furious. “You were brilliant,” Merlin whispered at his side. “Thank you.” “It’s all over the Mercian media. And ours too,” Gwen told them. “Arthur’s approval rating is going sky-high over there. It might not be what we had planned, but it’s done wonders for the talks. Nobody likes cruelty to animals.” “Also,” Monmouth put in quickly, “there's been a development. It appears that it may have been a setup. The dragon was acquired from a seller in Essetir who almost certainly acquired it illegally. We don’t know if the management at the zoo knew of this, but apparently Mordred Black hailed from Essetir originally, and has now vanished so it looks very likely. Obviously King Cenred has a great deal to lose if these talks succeed. We’re still investigating, but it would appear the intention was, with the Mercian press there, to cause an outrage and have public opinion in both countries turn against the peace talks. Thanks to Arthur, he’s failed quite spectacularly.” “Coming back home on the dragon was a masterstroke,” Gwen added. “Look.” There was a short piece of Gwaine’s footage showing Kilgharrah gliding down to the palace grounds, both his passengers clearly having enjoyed the ride. Arthur could see his arms wrapped tightly around Merlin’s waist, and noticed how he lingered after they landed, saw the way Merlin looked back over his shoulder with a huge, far too pleased with himself grin, and wondered how anyone could possibly not notice their obvious attraction to each other. Morgana looked across at him and raised an eyebrow. Well, he’d known she would miss nothing. The commentator was talking about friendship and other bullshit, and Arthur was happy to let as many people as possible continue to think that way. “A dragon,” Uther growled. “In the grounds of Buckingham Palace.” “It was certainly a lot quieter than using a helicopter,” Arthur told him. He was, after all, damned anyway. “More eco-friendly as well.” His father’s nostrils actually flared. It was, Arthur thought, a little like watching the dragon. “It was admirable,” King Balinor told him. “You must be very proud of your son.” Uther said nothing. Arthur could see a tiny little twitch starting just above his eyebrow. “Mercian TV want to interview both the princes,” Gwen put in quickly. “Perhaps, if we’re done here, Your Majesty, I could brief them both? It’s all excellent publicity. Cenred is probably tearing his hair out at how very wrong it’s all gone for him.” Uther gave a brief, curt nod. Arthur took his opportunity and escaped, though he had the feeling it might only be a temporary reprieve. --- “It could have gone far worse,” Merlin pointed out later as he walked with Arthur through the mostly deserted palace corridors. Gwen’s interview had turned out to be several interviews and had gone on for hours. By the time they were finished, Morgana had reported that Uther had retired to bed and that they were safe at least until the morning. No further mention had been made of Gwen losing her job, and apparently Uther had decided that although Morgana should accompany them to keep Arthur in line, Arthur would still be showing Merlin the sights of Camelot. “Well, your father seems to like me, anyway. That’s something.” Balinor had given his own interview, praising Arthur for his open-mindedness, and expressing great hope for the future peace between their countries. It was clear to all that what he wanted to add was that it was a refreshing change from Uther’s attitude. “Yep. Whether he’d like you as much if he knew you were planning to deflower me and breed little dragonlords from me is another matter,” Merlin said seriously. Arthur stopped and stared at him. “Deflower? What… you aren’t… you never …?” This was not part of the plan. He’d assumed someone else had to have got there first. Hadn’t Morgana said there had been reports a few years back of a boyfriend? “Do you get pregnant every time or something?” Merlin stared back at him for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Oh Arthur, you should see your face! No! Of course I’m not. Obviously I don’t shag everything that moves like you do…” “Not true. Just stories in the papers.” Arthur started to walk on again, moving closer to Merlin so that their shoulders brushed as they walked. “Gwaine said it was true.” “Gwaine probably made up half the stories.” Not entirely, and Gwaine had first-hand knowledge of Arthur’s preferences on more than one occasion, but Merlin didn’t need to know much about that. “If you’d slept with him he’d start making up the stories about you as well.” “Ah.” “Yes. So steer clear.” Merlin nodded, slipping his hand into Arthur’s and walking closely beside him so that if they ran into someone it wouldn’t be obvious. For a moment or two they walked on quietly. Arthur wanted nothing more than to push him into the nearest empty room, lock the door and shag him senseless. But there were cameras and master keys, and servants walking around and all sorts of other reasons why that was a bad idea. “I’d get lost in this place,” Merlin admitted. “I took three wrong turns on the way down to the car this morning.” “I’ve lived here most of my life,” Arthur admitted. The part of his life after his mother had died. She’d preferred Clarence House but he could barely remember that. “You get used to it. Look, my rooms are down here, but if you go up this staircase you’ll find yourself at the end of the corridor where your room is.” Merlin gazed at the staircase. “Can we go to my room? I’ll never find my way back here, I’m bound to be spotted wandering around lost and doing the walk of shame.” Arthur didn’t care which room they went to, as long as they got there soon. He led Merlin up the stairs, wincing at the way the floorboards creaked as they sneaked along the corridor, and slipped quietly into his room. Arthur rarely visited the guest quarters, and didn’t pause long to look around. Merlin locked the door behind them, bolted it, and then turned to look at Arthur, a nervous little half-smile playing about his lips. It was irresistible. Arthur kissed him, gently at first but Merlin wasn’t having that, pushing him up against the door and kissing him back harder, reaching up and under Arthur’s shirt, trying to undress him without breaking the kiss. Arthur pushed back, herding Merlin towards the bed, managing to kick off one shoe and half undo Merlin’s fly before they both stumbled over and fell on the bed, laughing and still trying to get each other’s clothes off. Suddenly Arthur groaned, realising. “Lube and condoms. You’re not going to have any in here.” “Course not,” Merlin reached up, peppering kisses down Arthur’s neck and chest as he pulled off his shirt and flung it aside. “I was going to visit a country that hates us with a royal prince who drowns defenceless soft toys. But I’m clean, and don’t you get tested too?” “Every week,” Arthur admitted. It was one of the things his father had insisted on when he’d realised Arthur was gay. No public displays, no scandals and no STDs. At least there’s no risk that you’ll get some gold-digging girl pregnant , Uther had reasoned somewhat bitterly. “But it’s not just that. Won’t you… you know, the baby thing that you can do?” Merlin looked at him almost in pity. “Baby thing?” “Well,” Arthur took the opportunity to finish undressing and climb between the sheets. “I don’t want you going back to Mercia with any extra souvenirs.” He picked up the little plush dragon that Merlin had left on his bedside table. “You’ve already got this.” Merlin laughed, and took the dragon away from him, setting it down well out of Arthur’s reach, then for good measure turning it away from them, which made Arthur laugh. “Don’t worry about that. I’m as safe as you are. Dragonlords only have children when they choose to. When I marry, there’ll be a ceremony. It’s quite rare, whatever your people have assumed, and I don’t even know what happens for sure as I’ve never seen one. I know it’s very secluded, very private and involves dragon magic. It’s to make sure there is never a dragonlord conceived that the dragons themselves won’t approve of. It’s why there’s such a strong bond. So you don’t have to worry about being careful.” He had finished undressing whilst he was talking, and climbed in beside Arthur. “You really, really don’t. In fact…” “Enough talking,” Arthur whispered, pulling him towards him, and silencing him with a kiss that Merlin met eagerly. “Enough.” --- The next few days were, Arthur thought later, the best of his life. He’d woken every morning with Merlin’s body cuddling him close, always gravitating towards him even if Arthur had got up in the night. Merlin claimed it was just the warmth of him, that the palace was cold and as a dragonlord he was used to fire. But Arthur would watch him sleep, and saw how he would frown if Arthur moved away, and then edge closer until he was snuggled up against Arthur again. Then his face would settle back into relaxed contentedness. It was a simple thing, but Arthur thought it was one of the sweetest things he’d ever seen. He could hardly bear the thought that soon the talks would be over, one way or another, and Merlin would return home. It could be a long time before they were together again. On the fifth day of the talks, they were lying in later than usual. There were no engagements until the afternoon, and Arthur had hung a change of clothes in the bathroom in case they were disturbed. Merlin had asked for breakfast in his room, and as enough for three or four people had been brought up, they sat in bed eating it, sharing toast and enjoying each other’s company. “Do you think the talks are going to succeed?” Merlin asked suddenly. Arthur slopped his tea in the saucer, cursed, and managed to spill some of it in the bed for good measure. “Oh, nice. Well?” “I don’t know. I hope so. I want to visit Aithusa and see how he’s getting on.” Merlin beamed at him. “I got a message from Percival. Too early to tell on the wing, but Aithusa’s on his feet and walking around, into everything. And they’ve had a new arrival, a blue from the north, really small and with a deformed wing. The two of them are getting friendly. See, happy ending. And that film crew have been back, they’re doing a documentary on Aithusa’s recovery. So you’ll get to see him.” He paused. “It would be better if you could come back with me, though. Perhaps one day.” Arthur nodded thoughtfully. “You know, we could marry and bind the two lands together forever,” he said as casually as he could. “When, you know, we’re both king. No peace conferences needed. Everything equal.” Merlin didn’t reply at once, but when Arthur found the courage to look at Merlin again, those blue eyes were gazing at him lovingly. “Really?” “Really. I know it’s only been a few days, but I feel like I’ve known you forever.” “Like we fit? Like we’re meant to be? I know. I feel it too.” “So, what do you say?” Arthur fingered the edge of the duvet nervously. “I mean… if you want to. I hate the thought of not waking up with you every morning, and I’m sick of sneaking around, of watching people push their eligible offspring at you wherever we go.” “You know I would, in a heartbeat,” Merlin told him. “But our fathers… well, your father really, because I think mine would come round, he likes you. Your father would never accept me.” Arthur knew it was true. But there had to be a way. There were only a couple of days left. “If the talks work, I could visit,” Arthur began. There was a thunderous rapping on the door. “Merlin!” “My father!” Merlin hissed. “Quick, hide in the bathroom.” He scrambled out of bed, pulled on the nearest pair of pants then helped Arthur pick up his clothes. “Hurry!” he hissed, then shouted to his father that he would be there in a moment. “Never mind!” Balinor replied. “Just throw your things in your case, we’re leaving right now! I’m done talking to that man.” Arthur and Merlin stared at each other in horror. “I’ll be back in two minutes. Be ready.” Merlin pulled his case out and started throwing things in. He looked every bit as miserable as Arthur felt. Reluctantly, Arthur helped him, silently emptying the closet while Merlin quickly got dressed. “We can call each other,” Merlin ventured. “Email. Skype, we can do that. It’s not like we’re that far away. Maybe we could meet up at the border sometimes?” “I don’t want just sometimes,” Arthur told him, packing up a small tablet computer and cushioning it with socks. “This isn’t fair.” “Life isn’t fair, Arthur. Get dressed, you can come and see me off.” The sound of Balinor stomping back down the corridor was clearly audible. Arthur scrambled into the crumpled clothes that had been lying on the floor most of the night. Merlin winced and Arthur just shrugged. There was no time to go and get the fresh set. “Merlin!” Merlin ran over and opened the door, and his father stormed in. “That man is a narrow-minded, egocentric, bigoted…” he paused, seeing Arthur. “Ah. Arthur.” He looked down at the creased trousers and crumpled shirt that Arthur was wearing. “Arthur came along to say goodbye,” Merlin put in. “You know we’ve become friends.” “Just pulled on whatever I had to hand when Merlin rang,” Arthur confirmed. “And locked the door after you came in?” Balinor queried. “Your father lies, Arthur. You seem to be a better man, generally. So try not to fall into the same habit. Merlin, are you ready?” Merlin gazed desperately across at Arthur. Arthur wanted to grab hold of him and never let him go, tell Balinor to leave by himself. But instead he picked up Merlin’s case, and handed it to him silently. “Thank you,” Merlin whispered. “I’ll call you when I’m home.” Arthur nodded, not trusting himself to speak. “I’ll visit Aithusa and send you some pictures.” “Merlin, come on,” Balinor snapped. “Arthur,” he held out a hand. “It’s been a pleasure. You’ll be a far better king than your father. And you would be welcome in Mercia,” he glanced at his son. “For any reason.” Merlin looked as if he were going to cry as he followed his father out, though if he did it was after they were airborne because none of the photos Gwaine showed Arthur later had Merlin crying. It was as Arthur had expected before Merlin arrived. It seemed Arthur had a real knack for making him leave in tears. Picking up the remainder of his clothes, and a few other pieces that Merlin had left behind, Arthur looked back at the room one last time. Soon it would be cleaned and aired, and there would be no trace of either of them. A flash of bright green caught his eye. Merlin’s dragon had fallen on the floor and been missed when they’d hurriedly packed. Arthur picked it up, and held it close. --- “So the Mercian visit was a complete disaster?” It had been over a month since Merlin left, but the news was still all about the failed peace talks. Arthur was only half-listening to the broadcast. It was on in the background, that awful Nimueh Lake was interviewing his father’s chief Mercian advisor, Professor Gaius. Gaius was secretly one of Arthur’s favourites out of all his father’s advisors. In fact, he was probably the only one that Arthur actually liked. It was the way that he never actually disagreed with Uther as such, just looked at him with that amazing eyebrow climbing higher and higher up his face until, often as not, Uther reconsidered what he said. He was probably the only one who never seemed to be afraid of Uther, and that was something to be admired in itself. “Oh hardly,” Gaius protested. He didn’t like Nimueh, Arthur knew. He wondered how she had persuaded Gaius to appear on the show. “Things could have gone better, but we are talking about two very strong and powerful kings from very different backgrounds, very different countries. These were initial talks. You forget that they lasted five days. Last time, the talks were finished before they’d been here a day. Both countries want peace. This was a very positive step.” It was quite an optimistic attitude. Arthur smiled fondly as he saw that the studio had put a picture of himself and Merlin on either side of their fathers on the screen behind Gaius. It had been taken on the third day, and Merlin was looking relaxed and happy, glowing even. So did Arthur, for that matter. “But King Balinor left in a fury, did he not? He stormed out of the palace and vowed never to return.” There was a quick piece of footage showing Balinor striding towards a waiting helicopter, Merlin hurrying along behind him, head down. They hadn’t even waited for Kilgharrah to collect them. “Of course he did. As I said, King Balinor is a strong-minded individual, as is King Uther. This will take time.” “But you believe it will happen, that we will have an alliance with Mercia eventually?” “Without question. Think of the future. While the talks didn’t go as well as we might wish, there was the tour by the princes. That went far better than anybody had hoped and was a huge success.” The picture cut away to footage of Arthur and Merlin walking along together, Merlin laughing at something Arthur had said. Then it focussed on them coming out of the theatre together, Merlin clutching that stupid dragon toy happily. There were a number of other similar clips, and then it moved to the zoo. “This part didn’t go as well,” Nimueh said, talking over the footage. “It went very well. The two young men who will one day rule both kingdoms worked together to prevent things escalating, and ensured that the dragon went home. I believe there has been some very positive reporting in Mercia of Arthur’s role in freeing the beast. There’s even talk over there of setting up a reciprocal visit, with Arthur touring key sites in Mercia.” Arthur couldn’t imagine his father agreeing to that for a moment, but he let himself daydream about the idea for a few moments. There was some footage of the two of them doing a walkabout, Merlin bending over to talk to a little girl. Arthur felt his heart wrench at the sight. He really, really missed Merlin. “It’s all a very good omen for the future,” Gaius was saying. “Excellent, thank you Professor Gaius.” Nimueh smiled brightly at the camera. “All very different from our last report on Prince Arthur.” The screen behind her filled with a picture of Arthur falling on his face outside a nightclub. Off-camera, the microphone managed to pick up Gaius’ exclamation of irritation and disgust. “Now, after the break we’ve got our regular cookery slot with…” Arthur turned the television off before it numbed his brain. Cookery slots had never appealed to him much, and he’d been feeling a bit queasy that morning anyway. Strange, when he’d spent most of the previous evening on Skype with Merlin and hadn’t drunk anything. Still, Gaius thinking that he and Merlin boded well for the future stayed with him. He glanced over at his computer and wondered if Merlin was online yet. --- The one good thing about the end of the Mercian visit was that Arthur didn’t have to suffer breakfast with his father every day. In fact, it was barely more than once a week. He was largely left to his own devices first thing, and had taken to eating in his rooms whenever possible. Sometimes he just didn’t feel like eating, and it was easier to hide that if he was alone. Also it was the only part of the day he got to himself, a time when he could call Merlin. He cherished it. “Are you putting on weight?” Uther regarded him critically (was there ever any other way?) over the top of his newspaper. Arthur shifted uncomfortably in his seat. It was true that his tailor had taken out his trousers for the official function last week, and that there were few things in his wardrobe that didn’t feel a little snug. But it had been a busy month, what with all the fallout from the treaty discussions and everything, there had been a lot of official dinners and not much time to visit the gym. He was probably comfort eating. It was pretty miserable having found someone he could actually envisage spending the rest of his life with and then having them wrenched away from him like that. “I’ll get rid of it.” “Good. Looks bad in the papers, as if we’re greedy.” Arthur imagined Merlin’s response to that, and put down the slice of toast he’d been about to help himself to. Thinking about it, he didn’t feel particularly hungry anyway at the moment. It was probably a reaction to the sickness bug he seemed to have picked up and which didn’t seem to want to go away. Though really he thought he should be losing weight rather than putting it on because of that. Morgana gazed at him thoughtfully across the breakfast table. “You know, Arthur, you’re looking a little pale, and you’ve not been well recently. Perhaps you should have a doctor look at you?” Uther snorted disparagingly. “Don’t be ridiculous, he’s as strong as an ox. Didn’t you see him last week taking part in that tug-of-war contest at that ridiculous country fete?” “I saw him worn out that evening, yes,” Morgana mused. “Still, you know best.” Her tone suggested quite the opposite and Arthur wasn’t surprised when she followed him out and walked behind him all the way to his rooms. There was no chance of stopping her from following him in, so he didn’t bother trying. “You look terrible, Arthur. What’s the matter with you? And don’t say nothing.” “It is nothing. I’ve had a bug, nothing to worry about.” He took a seat, not bothering to offer her one because there was no need. She would just take one anyway. Sure enough, she sat down and fixed him with that penetrating gaze she had. “I am worried. Have you seen a doctor? A proper doctor, not just the check-ups with the nurse.” Arthur hadn’t even been bothering with the check-ups. There wasn’t any point, he wasn’t sleeping with anyone, not for months, not since Merlin left. He told Morgana as much. “I don’t need a doctor, Morgana. It’s just a bug.” “But you’re putting on weight, and being sick.” She pursed her lips together thoughtfully. “That’s contradictory, you know?” “I’ve stopped being sick, that was just the virus.” She reached into her pocket, and pulled out her phone. “I don’t agree. I’m calling someone.” “Morgana!” It was Professor Gaius, of all people, that she called. He was a medical doctor, after a fashion. But he’d studied in Mercia, and his knowledge had to be years out of date. Arthur liked the man, but had no wish to submit to any sort of examination from him. “Absolutely not,” he insisted when she turned the phone off. But it was hopeless to disagree with her, like trying to hold back the tide. And so he found himself sitting in his own bedroom, with Gaius insisting on listening to his stomach. Worse, whatever Gaius found left him with a faintly horrified look on his face and insisting that Arthur have a scan. He wouldn’t say why. It was, frankly, quite frightening. The scan was booked in for the afternoon. Left alone, with nothing to do but think and worry, Arthur called Merlin. --- Merlin loved modern technology. He particularly loved Skype, which allowed him to sit and chat with Arthur for long periods of time each day. He could see Arthur’s face gazing back at him, see what he was wearing that day (or sometimes not wearing, though they hadn’t done that for a few weeks because Arthur often wasn’t feeling too good), hear his voice and see the little toy dragon sitting there next to the screen, because Arthur claimed it was waiting for him to come back and collect it. Arthur didn’t look well. He hadn’t looked well for a while, but he looked pale and tired, and his smile wasn’t as bright as usual when he appeared on the screen in front of Merlin. It was horrible, being so far away and unable to do anything to help. He’d many times urged Arthur to visit a doctor, but now that he had, and the doctor (or antiquated old quack as Arthur referred to him, not entirely fondly) appeared to have found something. Arthur’s stomach was swelling up, yet he wasn’t eating as much as usual, was feeling sick and tired and rundown. He had stomach cramps sometimes too, although he swore they were only very mild. Merlin could see the fear in Arthur’s eyes and knew what he wasn’t saying, the fear that it could be something terrible, something fatal even. Merlin had tried to reassure him, but he was terrified himself. Losing Arthur didn’t bear thinking about. They talked for over an hour, only stopping when Morgana came back to Arthur’s rooms to sit with her brother. She’d looked concerned as well, and hadn’t greeted Merlin as brightly as she usually did. He thought he would call her later, find out if there was anything more, if there were things Arthur wasn’t telling him. Perhaps she could even find a way that he could visit. Merlin shut down his laptop after the Skype session, still worried. He sat there for a moment, thinking about what Arthur had said, trying to think of other possibilities. If he wasn’t horribly ill, what were the other possibilities? Merlin wanted something to cling onto, some hope. Perhaps it was just an infection, and he needed antibiotics or something. Or, it almost sounded as if Arthur was pregnant… but it couldn’t be. That wasn’t possible. Arthur wasn’t a dragonlord, he wasn’t even Mercian, and even if he was there was the whole dragon ceremony to go through… The dragon ceremony, which involved the dragon conjuring some form of mysterious magic over the host. How would they do that? He thought of Arthur, standing in front of Kilgharrah, and that awful moment when he’d thought the dragon was going to incinerate him. Kilgharrah hadn’t, but Merlin wondered what he might have done to Arthur instead. With more than a little trepidation, Merlin got up and went to find his parents. --- Arthur had never been hospitalised in his life. He didn’t like it, didn’t like the smell, didn’t like the way people kept coming in and out of his room, didn’t like the way Morgana insisted on sitting there holding his hand as if he were dying or something. No, there was nothing to like about it. “I want to go home,” he grumbled petulantly. “I’m starving.” They wouldn’t give him any food until the scan results came back. Arthur had been in the hospital bed for hours, being poked and prodded and tested. His stomach growled loudly in support of his words. “Just a little bit longer,” Morgana assured him. “Don’t worry, Arthur. It’ll be okay.” He thought he liked her better when she was being mean to him. --- Queen Hunith was up in her office when Merlin found her. He thought to try his mother first, because when on form Balinor could rival Uther Pendragon for his ability to shout. And if Merlin’s wildly improbable theory was correct, both kings were going to put that rivalry to the test. But it was a ridiculous theory. He went in and stood beside her desk. “Mother, can I ask you something?” “Very formal, Merlin. Sit down.” Hunith put down her pen and swung round to face him. “What is it?” “Well, I wanted to ask you about your wedding.” “It was beautiful. You’ve seen it many times.” Merlin nodded. “It was the dragon ceremony afterwards that I was curious about. Is there footage of that anywhere?” “Ah. No. Kilgharrah would never allow that. I don’t think your father would either. You won’t want that filmed when it’s your time, will you? It’s nice to keep some things private.” Merlin wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to know the answer to his next question, in case it involved a scarring retelling of his parents’ sex lives that he might need counselling to erase from his brain. “But… what exactly happened? What does the dragon do?” Hunith’s smile softened further at the recollection. “Oh, well, I suppose there’s no harm in telling you. It was very beautiful. We went out together, just the two of us, to meet Kilgharrah. We’d just married, but with there being so few dragonlords, your father wanted an heir right away. So we knelt before Kilgharrah and asked for his blessing. And he blessed your father, and that was it, we went back to the wedding celebrations and I’m sure I don’t need to explain that part any further! And then nine rather stressful months later, because your father did not enjoy being pregnant one little bit, you were born.” Merlin was glad he’d missed that time. The thought of his rather acerbic father in such a condition was horrific. But his mother hadn’t quite answered his question. “So, this blessing… does the dragon speak it?” “Oh no,” Hunith smiled. “It was lovely. He breathed a sort of cold fire over your father. It glowed silver, just for a few moments. It was so pretty. And look, it gave us you.” She reached out and touched his cheek fondly. “Is that what you wanted to know? Oh Merlin, you look quite shocked, is something wrong?” “Maybe nothing,” Merlin said, hoping that was true. “It would only work on dragonlords, or those with Mercian blood, wouldn’t it?” “Of course. Most Mercians have dragonlord blood in them somewhere.” “The Pendragons don’t though, they’re not Mercian. So if… say Uther was king of Mercia, he wouldn’t be able to receive the dragon’s blessing?” Hunith laughed. “I don’t think so, for many reasons. He would probably be the last person in the world who might receive it. Kilgharrah would blast him where he stands if your father allowed it. And of course there probably isn’t a drop of Mercian blood running through his veins, so no, he wouldn’t be able to. What a strange question!” Her eyes were twinkling, and he supposed she had a very good idea exactly what he was really asking, though probably not why. His father had interpreted Arthur’s dishevelled appearance in Merlin’s bedroom on that last morning quite correctly, and both his parents would gently tease every now and then, thinking it only a crush or a dalliance. This was confirmed a moment later when she added, “Arthur, though, he’d be another matter. His mother was half-Mercian, I believe… Oh goodness, Merlin! Your face! Whatever is the matter?” --- Arthur stared at the fuzzy, black and white scan in front of him. He had been staring at it for several minutes. It was a mistake, of course. This wasn’t possible. He’d told Gaius as much, and had then had a long explanation about family on his mother’s side and how it was indeed quite possible, if a little unusual. “Arthur, please say something,” Morgana urged. He looked up at her, still too stunned to speak, then back down at the picture in his hands. “He seems perfectly healthy,” Gaius continued. “He? It’s a boy?” Morgana peered at the picture. “Isn’t that the umbilical cord?” An umbilical cord. Arthur stared at it. Inside him. Growing. It couldn’t be true. “This is a joke, yes?” He looked up at Gaius hopefully. “It’s not funny.” Gaius raised an eyebrow at him. “Considering what we originally thought this might be, I think I would take the pregnancy and be happy about it. I won’t ask how this came about, because I’m sure we are all under no illusions who the other parent is. But we will need to think very carefully how we break this to your father. Perhaps you should call Merlin, tell him what’s happened. You shouldn’t have to face this by yourself.” Arthur looked down at the picture again, then at his faintly swollen stomach. He wasn’t going to be facing anything by himself by the looks of things, not for a long, long time. At least he’d get to see Merlin again. That would be good. He could strangle him… --- In the end, the peace talks went very well. King Uther and King Balinor shouted and yelled at one another for a very long time, though that was only to be expected. The shouting generally involved accusations of whose son was more to blame, and the evilness of dragons and sorcery, and general rages about unnatural practices. Arthur missed all that, because Gaius had kindly decided to declare him delicate and unfit for any sort of stressful situation, which suited Arthur just fine. Merlin’s mother was a kindly woman who insisted on looking after him and making him soup and hot tea, and generally fussed around him, and Merlin was sitting there all through it holding his hand and looking horribly guilty. Arthur sort of liked the guilty look. Merlin, he supposed, probably deserved it. He might not have meant to do it, but Arthur’s condition was entirely Merlin’s fault. Merlin’s and that wretched dragon. It was a situation Arthur intended milking for many years to come. Uther, reluctantly, agreed in the end that there was only one course of action. A wedding, quick and quiet, and a suitably vague press release that, whilst not actually saying that Merlin was the one expecting the child, heavily hinting that this was the case. Arthur was to go to Mercia and stay out of the public eye until the child was born, then there would be a huge and very public wedding next year with a ceremony in both countries. Uther wasn’t too bothered about the huge wedding, but he made it very clear that he would not budge on any of the other points. Arthur found that he didn’t care too much. When he packed his bags and left with Merlin, it was the last time he would call the city of Camelot his primary home. Instead, he and Merlin set up a new home, together, on the border between the two countries. They didn’t look back with any regrets. Later, Arthur found he didn’t want to think back too much on the pregnancy. It was uncomfortable and the eventual caesarean had left a faint scar. But he was happy and contented with his family, and the little dark-haired boy who looked so much like Arthur’s mother was worth it, even if he did go through a phase where he kept waking up every hour, every night, and then months later was toddling around, getting into everything, always clutching that wretched little dragon. At least there were no rival princes to take it away and throw it into fountains, Arthur thought fondly. He stood in the nursery, watching as Merlin tucked in their little boy and laughingly refused the demands for a second bedtime story. They both kissed their son goodnight, then stood watching for a few moments as the little boy who would one day be king of all Albion cuddled up to his favourite toy, before turning out the light and leaving him to settle into sleep. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Mpreg, Modern Royalty, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting Collections: Merlin Mpreg--2014, Hurt/Comfort Bingo - Round 5
Published: 2014-11-16
Words: 22629
Five Times Merlin Used Magic to Court Arthur and the One Time He Used It to Save Arthur's
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Merlin uses magic to court Arthur. It takes awhile for Arthur to realize just how impressive Merlin's magic is. Notes This is for the wonderfully patient and generous pt_tucker, based on their prompt idea of a power reveal. See the end of the work for more notes Introductions Merlin decided to tell Arthur about his magic the same day he decided to court him. Not seduce. Court. Though he hadn’t served Arthur that long compared to the other servants in the castle, he had seen enough of who Arthur was, after their initial antagonism at being forced together faded away, to spark his interest. That initial spark, ignited during adrenaline and adventure, did not fizzle out as he had hoped and proved to be more profound and enduring than Merlin wanted to acknowledge. There were so many complications that came with royalty itself, throw in Merlin’s magic and any kind of relationship was just bound to be a disaster. But the comforting warmth that encased his heart every time he thought of Arthur would not be denied. Even in his short time at court, Merlin had seen the kind of people that flocked around the prince, trying to tempt him. Noble and common alike, they flattered, beguiled, and contrived, always in an attempt to seduce the prince into their clutches—but they never wanted Arthur. The only thing those malicious opportunists who tried to con their way into Arthur’s bed saw was his title, his wealth, and the favours they could get from him. They never saw the Arthur who was a hopeless—and helpless—romantic or the Arthur who had a biting sense of humour. They didn’t know that Arthur rarely showed his softer side, so in those small moments when he did let down his guard, you knew you were someone important, even if he sometimes said the opposite. All they cared about was what the prince could give to them; they didn’t care that Arthur was just and risked his life, not just for the nobility, not just for the people of Camelot, but for anyone who turned to him for help. And they never saw the man who desperately wanted a hug. Unlike all those others, Merlin didn’t want trinkets, power, or a crown. He didn’t just want into Arthur’s bed either, which possibly could have been managed and ignored. Though the physical appeal was undeniable and had been from the start—Arthur was very attractive with his golden hair and muscular body—that alone wouldn’t have compelled Merlin to think the unthinkable and try to court a prince. What he wanted was to be in Arthur’s heart. In the almost year that he had been working as the prince’s manservant, Arthur had forced Merlin to reassess the decidedly negative first impression he had left on Merlin with acts of bravery, caring, and loyalty. It was so unusual for a prince to trust and be loyal to a servant, and that had Merlin slowly discovering another side to Arthur, one that actually believed in honour and love. Arthur was not easy, he wasn’t always kind, but Merlin’s own natural sassiness challenged Arthur’s moods and made him Arthur’s equal. They complemented each other—and Merlin could just hear Kilgharrah laughing at him for that thought—and the second Merlin acknowledged that, at his heart, Arthur was a good man behind the privilege and title, he was lost. Merlin had made his decision but he knew he couldn’t approach Arthur like everyone else, all those conniving people who tried to use trickery to get what they wanted from Arthur. Merlin didn’t want a quick fuck, anyway; he wanted a partnership, as presumptuous as that was for a servant to think about a prince. That meant honesty and courting. And honestly, Arthur deserved courting. He deserved to know that Merlin was serious, that Merlin had thought this through, and, since no one ever dared to court a prince, only seeking fleeting connections, Arthur deserved to be treated like a worthy potential partner. Merlin wanted Arthur to know that his interest wasn’t some ploy, that it was genuine and sincere. However, since he wouldn’t be able to court Arthur properly if he were executed, he would have to find the perfect way to tell Arthur about his magic—one that inspired confidence and trust. Not something easily accomplished, given Arthur’s upbringing. Merlin was tempted to just say the words one evening after Arthur was done with his meal. He imagined them sitting before the crackling fire as the hour drew later and later, their bodies slowly moving closer together as Merlin explained his magic, stressing how much it had been used to help Arthur and the people of Camelot. He imagined Arthur looking at him with understanding and respect as he finally saw the part of Merlin that he kept so carefully hidden, his blue eyes shining, drawing Merlin in, until their words melted to kisses, Arthur’s sword-calloused hands scraping along Merlin’s neck… Merlin wished it would be as simple as that but he knew that Arthur was more a man of action than words. Just saying that he used his magic to help, not to hurt, wouldn’t be enough to convince Arthur. He had to demonstrate it somehow whilst Arthur was actually looking and couldn’t dismiss it as “luck.” And it couldn’t look like an accident, either. Merlin needed Arthur to know he was sharing this side of himself on purpose. It took a week of agonizing, imagining things going right, dreading how it could all go terribly wrong, before Merlin decided on a plan. Each day in that week, Merlin woke with a surge of energy, knowing that he was ready to tell Arthur, that he had to tell Arthur, but that energy quickly dissipated under the weight of actually figuring out how to tell him and so Merlin would put it off to the next day. By the end of the week, Merlin was exhausted, the constant strain of his decision hanging over him and wearing him down. It was as he was drifting off to sleep one night, feeling almost like he was floating though he was cushioned comfortably upon his mattress, that an idea struck him. It took some practicing to get the spells right, Gaius covering for Merlin’s absences as he worked. Arthur never commented on Merlin’s disappearances—though he was developing a strange habit of making loud clanging noises with whatever metal happened to be nearby whenever Merlin entered a room—and Merlin never offered any explanation. Much sooner than Merlin had anticipated, he had mastered the spells, which meant it was time to go to Arthur. Except, he didn’t. He put it off for the next day, then the day after that, then the day after that. He had thought learning the spells would take longer, he reasoned, he was just keeping to his original schedule. Merlin didn’t want to admit that he was scared and it wasn’t really about the magic. Revealing his magic was only step one, the next part was courting Arthur, alerting Arthur to his feelings, his interest. What if Arthur didn’t reciprocate? What if Merlin’s attentions made Arthur feel uncomfortable? What if Merlin ruined everything they already had by trying for something more? Merlin was risking more than just his life. A week went by, then another, and, though Merlin felt like his whole body became paralyzed every time he even thought of enacting his plan, he knew he couldn’t delay any longer— he couldn’t let a whole month go by with Arthur none the wiser. He knew, he just knew, that if he kept putting off this beginning step, he would suddenly find that years had passed and he had missed his chance, an outcome he would regret for the rest of his life. Merlin might be, possibly, maybe, a little scared of putting himself and his heart in a vulnerable position, opening himself up to Arthur’s derision and rejection, but the idea of letting the moment pass by completely scared him even more. This was going to be a big step; no matter how Arthur reacted, it would lead to a big change. It could bring him unending happiness but it could also prove to be a devastating risk. Arthur , Merlin thought with renewed resolve, is worth it . Merlin woke up that morning frightfully early after a very restless night, his stomach churning in a strange mixture of anticipation and fear. Fittingly, given his plan of action, his stomach felt like it was swooping around inside of him and Merlin might actually wind up having to postpone again because he was going to be sick. Despite waking up much earlier than usual, the morning flew by. It felt like Merlin had only blinked an eye and suddenly it was time to go down to the kitchen to retrieve Arthur’s breakfast. Another blink and he was in front of the door to Arthur’s bedchamber. One last blink along with a large, fortifying breath, and there was Arthur, the red of his sheets complementing the tan of his half-bared body exceedingly well. Merlin set about his morning tasks. Falling into the routine of opening the curtains, pulling out clothes for the day, and just generally puttering around, being as loud as possible so as to wake the prince who was always nearly comatose in the morning, soothed his jangling nerves and somersaulting stomach. If he just focused on the present task, he wouldn’t have to worry about how the rest of the day would go. He steadfastly did not think about how momentous this day might prove to be as he helped Arthur change, he forced his mind to focus only on the moment as Arthur ate his breakfast, and he ignored the increased shaking of his hands as the blank haze of sleep slowly left Arthur, his eyes becoming more focused as he slowly came properly awake. “Morning,” Arthur yawned as Merlin made to take away his empty breakfast tray. Merlin stopped, the utensils clattering on the tray slightly as he tried to calm his suddenly pounding heart. If Arthur was talking, that meant he was awake enough to comprehend the meaning of Merlin’s words, which meant it was time to put his plan into action. He wasn’t ready! How was he going to start again? With a big gulp, Merlin turned back to Arthur, who was still sitting in his chair at the table, not looking at all enthused about starting the day. Merlin knew perfectly well that today Arthur was set to attend council meetings with the king instead of training with the knights, so he wasn’t surprised by Arthur’s forlorn demeanour. In fact, he had counted on it. Trying to sound as casual as possible, Merlin said, “You know, Arthur,” Merlin paused as Arthur brought up his gaze to meet Merlin’s, causing Merlin to swallow several times before he felt like he could continue with the level of nonchalance he was striving for as he offered, “You look like you might benefit from some fresh air, maybe a nice walk?” Arthur leaned back in his chair with a frown, surveying Merlin critically as he asked darkly, “Is that so?” “Yes,” Merlin said with one too many nods, noting Arthur seemed to already be in a bad mood but, now that he had started, he couldn’t imagine turning back. Rallying his nerve under Arthur’s direct stare, Merlin suggested as if the thought had just occurred to him, hoping his words didn’t sound like he had been practicing them for over two weeks now, “Maybe we should go somewhere, maybe we should, we could go somewhere away from the stress of the castle?” “So, you’re saying I should leave the castle,” Arthur said in an exaggeratedly thoughtful tone and Merlin knew this wasn’t going to go his way. “And where will you be as I take this ‘nice walk’? The tavern, maybe?” Arthur asked innocently but Merlin heard the edge of steel in his voice. “No,” Merlin said long and low, confused by the suggestion. “I thought, well, I actually thought,” Merlin stammered, thrown off by Arthur’s cold stare, “I was thinking we would both go.” Arthur visibly relaxed at that and he sounded much less angry when he asked, “To the tavern?” “No!” Merlin nearly shouted before checking himself. What was Arthur’s obsession with the tavern? “To the waterfall.” “What waterfall?” Arthur asked and Merlin nearly groaned. He had had everything planned out and it was all falling apart. How had everything gotten so mixed up? Taking a deep breath, Merlin started over. “I was actually thinking that both of us could go see this amazing waterfall I found. I think you could benefit from it, freshen you up,” Merlin said in a deliberately teasing voice, hoping that Arthur would take the bait and they could get the day back on track. Arthur paused before answering, scrutinizing Merlin from head to toe and Merlin knew he failed at stopping himself from fidgeting but then Arthur smiled, all ill-humour from moments ago dissolving. “Are you saying I smell, Mer lin?” Arthur asked dangerously and at that particular tone, Merlin smiled from ear to ear in relief and then gave an exaggerated sniff. “I wasn’t going to say anything, sire, but you do spend most of your day in sweaty armour.” “I do not stink,” Arthur said in outrage and Merlin felt victorious as he saw Arthur’s cross expression, knowing from his antics that Arthur was considering it. “Not after we visit the waterfall,” Merlin said jauntily, “Of course you won’t.” Merlin was already moving away as he anticipated Arthur’s response, easily dodging the hurtled candlestick holder that came his way. Merlin was halfway down the corridor when he heard his name imperiously hollered. He turned to see Arthur standing in the doorway to his bedchamber. When he saw he had Merlin’s attention, Arthur gave a stiff nod and said, “Be ready in ten minutes” before disappearing back into his rooms. Merlin hurried down the rest of the way to the kitchen with a relieved sigh, working valiantly to not obsess over what would come next. Arthur threw back his head, soaking in the random rays of warm sunlight that occasionally broke through the canopy of trees above them as he and Merlin rode through the forest surrounding Camelot. The day was clear and bright, the kind of day that always beckoned Arthur to spend its entirety out of doors, enticing him with the joyful song of the birds and the wide expanse of sky. Usually, he could accept the sun’s warm invitation by training with his knights but all he had had to look forward to that day had been council meetings and enclosed walls. He had to admit, it was one of Merlin’s rare good ideas to make his excuses to his father and sneak out to the forest. Though he found Merlin’s stated motivation suspect; his reasoning sounded very flimsy. At first, Arthur had thought Merlin was trying to ditch him again. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that Merlin had been acting a bit off, a bit clumsier, a bit more distracted than usual, and spending way too much time at the tavern. When he realized Merlin was intending for them to go off together, Arthur thought there was a chance Merlin might have finally decided to confide in him. Something was clearly bothering him and Arthur suspected he knew what it was. But he wasn’t going to press. It was a sensitive subject, after all. Given his suspicions, Arthur wasn’t at all surprised that Merlin wasn’t his usual, chatty self and Arthur found himself loathe to break the tenuous silence as they rode deeper into the forest. Instead, he focused on the sun above him, the trees around him, and the sedate clop of the horses’ hooves as they picked their way through the underbrush. It was a pleasant ride and Arthur decided to enjoy it despite his serious doubts about the existence of Merlin’s “waterfall.” As if he needed a waterfall to freshen up! And he knew for a fact he didn’t stink, which a very quick check as Merlin was delivering his dishes to the kitchen had confirmed. It was clear, Merlin just wanted a break from the castle and it wasn’t hard for Arthur to piece together why. Who was Arthur to deny a broken-hearted Merlin? He actually felt a little honoured that Merlin would turn to him to help cheer him up. Why Guinevere would reject Merlin’s advances, Arthur had no idea, but he wasn’t entirely displeased with how things had turned out. His only complaint was that, in wallowing in his misery, Merlin had been absenting himself from Arthur’s side and Arthur needed him around. He was the only one who made endless meetings bearable, his eyes upon Arthur acted as a constant challenge on the training field, and, God help him, his constant prattle had the unfortunate tendency to soothe Arthur and make him feel better. All things considered, though, this was the preferable outcome than Guinevere accepting Merlin. Arthur could only imagine the kind of nightmare that would be. Merlin was completely hopeless and sure to bungle the courtship to a spectacular degree, which would hurt Guinevere and enrage Morgana, and Arthur did not need a vengeful Morgana coming after him and his hapless manservant. No, it was best for everyone involved that things had not progressed any further than they already had. When Merlin finally indicated that they should stop, Arthur was not at all surprised that they were in an isolated clearing with no waterfall in sight. Merlin truly was an abysmal liar; he couldn’t hide anything from Arthur. Feeling charitable due to Merlin’s heartache, Arthur didn’t make any comment about the lack of any kind of water, let alone cascading water, as they dismounted from their horses. The instant his feet touched the ground, Merlin started to pace, completely ignoring Arthur and the horses that still needed attending to. Deciding to let Merlin sort through his feelings on his own, Arthur set about doing Merlin’s job making sure the horses were comfortable as Merlin acted like he wanted to pull his own hair out, his body nearly vibrating as he paced. Arthur shook his head sadly as he started towards Merlin. Honestly, such a simple confession wasn’t worth all of this. As he drew near, Arthur heard Merlin muttering as he wrapped his arms around himself, hands cupping his shoulders like he was giving himself a hug. “I’m just going to, just going to tell him. Yes.” “It’s okay, Merlin,” Arthur said compassionately, not liking just how nervous Merlin sounded. “I already know.” “What?!” Merlin strangled out, spinning around and freezing, like he had just found himself caught in Arthur’s crosshairs. “Whe-why- HOW ?” Merlin asked bewilderedly, looking slightly dazed and completely mad with his eyes boggling like that. “It’s not like you hid it very well,” Arthur said reasonably, keeping his tone light and slightly teasing, hoping it would reassure Merlin and get him over whatever was causing this panic. It produced the exact opposite effect, however, as Merlin suddenly appeared distraught and maybe even scared. What had happened between him and Guinevere? “Look,” Arthur said seriously, punching Merlin lightly on the shoulder which he didn’t need to wince so dramatically at, Arthur was just trying to cheer him up here, “I know it hurts now but don’t worry. Guinevere is undoubtedly very pretty and unendingly kind and, yes, you would have been very lucky to have fallen into her good graces, but there are other women out there. A whole castle’s worth, a whole city’s worth,” Arthur felt a frown pull at his lips at that statement but Merlin wasn’t looking at all comforted by his words, so he pushed through whatever had caused his own momentary displeasure to focus on Merlin, “And, despite the unfortunate ears, you’re not completely terrible to look at. Your eyes, for example…The point is,” Arthur said brusquely, “Your heart will mend and though Guinevere could not return your regard, someone else is bound it.” Arthur gave a firm nod and went to give Merlin’s shoulder another punch but stopped himself this time, taking in the stiff way Merlin was holding himself. “What I’m trying to say is…don’t give up?” Arthur finished hesitantly as slowly, Merlin’s confused pinch turned into a very peculiar expression, like he couldn’t decide if he wanted to laugh or throw up. “What’re you talking about?” Merlin asked surprisingly calmly, given his face. Arthur felt his frown deepen as he took in Merlin’s question, said like a man who genuinely had no idea what was going on and not like one who was trying to recover from his secret being exposed. “You and Guinevere,” Arthur answered slowly, “Her rejecting you.” “Gwen didn’t reject me,” Merlin said and Arthur swore his heart stopped beating. “I mean,” Merlin sputtered, “There’s nothing to reject. I never, I didn’t, I don’t…Gwen’s in love with Lancelot!” Merlin shouted and then he was pacing once more, thrusting his hands through his hair which gave him a very wild look as the hair stuck out in every direction. Arthur took a step back, thinking Merlin needed some space and definitely needing some of his own after this embarrassing debacle, though he did catch Merlin’s morose, “Why waste time making a plan if he’s just going to ruin it at every opportunity” before he had completely moved away. Several minutes later, a heavy sigh announced Merlin’s approach to where Arthur was lying on the grass, indulging in a rare moment of stillness. “I have something to tell you,” Merlin said stoutly, “And it has nothing to do with the tavern or with Gwen or anything like that.” Arthur rose at Merlin’s words so that they were facing each other as he replied, “Alright, so why don’t you tell me what it is about.” Merlin opened his mouth, paused, started to say something, stopped, and just as Arthur was about to ridicule him for hurting his brain with all that thinking, Merlin took a visible breath and said all in a rush, “I have magic.” His whole demeanour changed after he said those words, his shoulders dropping down, a small, tentative smile pulling at his lips, and his blue eyes meeting Arthur’s steadily. Disappointment weighed heavy on Arthur’s heart. Here, he thought Merlin had actually decided to confide something in Arthur and he gets this nonsense. Arthur gave an exasperated sigh and said, “Merlin, whatever’s going on, you can tell me. If it’s not about Guinevere, that’s fine. I can admit when I’m wrong. Just tell me what this is really about.” Merlin just looked annoyed at Arthur’s words which he took deep exception to. If anyone was going to be annoyed, it should be him. He was the one trying to be supportive and a good friend, even though they weren’t actually allowed to be friends, and Merlin was just spouting rubbish in return. “I already told you,” Merlin gritted out, “I have magic. I use magic. I am magic!” “Right,” Arthur said doubtfully, wondering why Merlin kept carrying on about this, “The manservant to the Prince of Camelot is a sorcerer.” “I can prove it,” Merlin said obstinately and Arthur was getting really tired of whatever game this was. “Okay,” Arthur said hotly, “Do it.” Merlin suddenly looked nervous again, uncertain, and Arthur decided to put an end to his sick game. “What’s it going to be, Merlin?” Arthur asked snidely, ignoring Merlin’s upset frown, “You gonna push me back, push me down? Crush me with magic?” “Of course not,” Merlin said sadly as Arthur took a menacing step forward. “What? Is that not cruel enough? Or were you thinking something subtler? You gonna infiltrate my mind? Take away my free will?” Arthur was advancing and although Merlin looked like he might start crying, he didn’t retreat from Arthur’s anger. “Or were you planning on something more vengeful. Tell me, Merlin, were you planning on burning me alive?” “No!” Merlin shouted, horrified, as any decent denizen of Camelot would be, just as Arthur knew he would be. He may be sticking to this twisted lie for some unknown reason but Arthur knew his heart, knew he couldn’t be a murderous sorcerer. Arthur shook his head, his anger vanishing, replaced by a sort of dejection. He didn’t understand Merlin at all in this moment. “Then what is it?” Arthur asked tiredly, fervently wishing that Merlin had just told him the truth but not being able to bring himself to say it. “I practiced something,” Merlin said hesitantly, “Just for you. Well,” he added hurriedly, “Just for this moment. To show you that I will never hurt you.” “As if you ever could,” Arthur scoffed at that. Merlin ignored Arthur’s comment and held out his hand. “All the proof is here,” Merlin said precisely, the words sounding slightly rehearsed, “All you need to do is take my hand.” Arthur didn’t even think about it. He stretched out his own hand and wrapped it around Merlin’s, who used the contact to pull Arthur close. They were far closer than they needed to be, their chests brushing against each other as they breathed, Merlin’s breath coming out rapid and anxious. Licking his lips, Merlin ordered, “Stand on my feet” and instead of commenting on who actually gave the orders here, Arthur stepped forward, closing whatever gaps may have existed between them as he placed his feet on top of Merlin’s. After a steadying breath, Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur’s torso, giving him a hug. Arthur snorted at that. If this was all just some elaborate plot to get a hug out of Arthur, there were better ways to go about it. Arthur was going to say as much but, feeling how Merlin was trembling against him, instead he decided to wrap his own arms around the lanky man and return the embrace. The quiet peacefulness of the moment was shattered, however, and Arthur immediately stiffened and tried to push Merlin away as he heard the unmistakable sounds of a spell being cast. Though he couldn’t recognize any actual words, he knew the sound of that magical language, even when uttered in Merlin’s clear voice. Arthur struggled to free himself but Merlin held him in place with an iron grip Arthur wouldn’t have previously credited him with and then they were rising. Arthur struggled, trying to gain his freedom whilst the ground was still a reasonable distance away but Merlin’s hold was unforgiving and then it was too late. Arthur went deceptively docile in Merlin’s arms as they approached the tops of the forest trees, thinking they would stop below the tree line and though they weren’t near any branches that he could spring to, still, his mind was a constant whirr of escape routes. Yet, Merlin’s spell took them even with the trees and then lifted the pair above them, the wind whipping around them furiously, they were so high. Though no longer struggling, Arthur kept rigid in Merlin’s encircling arms, cursing that he had left all his weapons with the horses. Due to their position, their heads were pressed alongside each other, their cheeks brushing and the clean scent of Merlin’s hair infiltrated Arthur’s nose; Arthur would have to pull his head back to actually look in the face of the traitor who held him suspended in the air, something he wasn’t willing to do. So instead, his glare was lost on the unending sea of green of the forest below him as he growled his accusation into Merlin’s ear, “You have magic.” “Yes,” Merlin replied, the feel of his lips ghosting against the shell of Arthur’s ear as Merlin worked to make himself heard above the roar of the wind. “I was born with it,” Merlin said as if that was any kind of explanation. “It’s illegal, Merlin,” Arthur said adamantly, “Everyone who uses it is evil.” Merlin’s grip around Arthur tightened before he said perfectly matter-of-factly, “It I was evil, then this is the point where I’d be dropping you, wouldn’t it?” Arthur grabbed hold of Merlin’s shirt in preparation for just that but Merlin didn’t even twitch, keeping his arms wound tight around Arthur. “Arthur,” Merlin said earnestly, “You can trust me. I have magic and I use it to help as often as I can. I have magic,” Merlin said again, not having the decency to sound the least bit ashamed by that fact, “And you can trust me. I won’t let you fall.” Arthur scoffed at that, not loosening his hold on Merlin’s shirt by one iota, not willing to have the moment he let his guard down be the moment he plummeted to his death. He would have to be a fool to trust a sorcerer and the fact that this particular sorcerer was Merlin would not sway him. All sorcery was evil, there were no exceptions. There couldn’t be. Merlin wasn’t speaking anymore, letting Arthur stew in his thoughts. Arthur wanted to rail and rant, he longed to have the reassuring weight of some kind of weapon in his hand as he processed this betrayal, and he wanted, very badly, to be on the ground so that he could put some distance between himself and Merlin. He couldn’t think properly, he couldn’t fully commit to his father’s lessons, with Merlin’s solid form pressed against him. He couldn’t force the level of detachment he needed to separate his memories of Merlin with this sorcerer when Merlin was so solid and real in his arms. He needed space, he needed distance…he needed Merlin to try and kill him. That would force his decision and prove his father right, that his father’s actions were in the right. Yet Merlin remained silent, staying faithful to his last words and keeping Arthur safe in his arms. As long, protracted minutes passed, Arthur’s hands started to ache from the strain of clenching them around the rough material of Merlin’s shirt. Arthur gritted his teeth as the pain in his hands increased, using every technique he knew to ignore the growing need to let go as his hands steadily fatigued. He stood at a precipice—almost literally—and it was only the strength of his hands that kept him from both a literal and metaphorical fall. If he let go of Merlin and his father was right, Merlin would let him fall. However, if he let go and Merlin maintained his firm grip on Arthur, then that meant Merlin, a sorcerer , could be trusted and that his father was wrong, putting everything Arthur had been raised to believe in in doubt. Arthur truly didn’t know which outcome he would prefer. He held off as long as he could, his hands starting to shake as he fought to maintain his hold on his only chance at making it through this encounter alive. Eventually, Merlin started talking, outlandish stories where he acted as the hero, using his magic to save the day, but Arthur refused to give his words credence. The strain in his hands rose in tandem with a growing weight in his heart, but Arthur strove for control. He was a knight, the best Camelot had ever seen; he could overcome the limits of his body. “You can trust me,” Merlin was saying, over and over, finished with his stories of falling branches, statues coming to life, and magical rescues, “Magic is a part of me and you can trust me.” Arthur felt the urge to break his stalwart silence and refute Merlin’s claims but pride wouldn’t let him. And then, he had other concerns to occupy himself with; his strength finally failed him and he was forced to loosen his grip. The pain of hands too tightly clamped closed for too long finally stretching open was negligible to the pounding of his heart as he fully expected to feel the sickening jolt of falling now that he could no longer latch onto Merlin. Arthur hurriedly opened and closed his hands, pushing past their reluctance to close and stretch, trying to get them back to a point where he could once again reliably take hold of Merlin. Eventually, it entered Arthur’s panicked mind that Merlin had not sent Arthur plummeting to his death yet. As that fact truly penetrated, unbelievably, Arthur began to relax. As his frantically pounding heart began to slow and the pain in his hands slowly receded, the words he hadn’t wanted to listen to, the stories he hadn’t wanted to believe, stubbornly came to the fore and forced Arthur to consider them. Merlin had once again fallen silent, only the roar of the wind as it whipped around them meeting Arthur’s ear, reinforcing just how high up Merlin had taken them both. Magic, clearly and unequivocally, and yet Merlin wasn’t using it to harm Arthur; he had the chance and he was letting it pass, keeping Arthur safe instead. That action revealed more to Arthur than anything Merlin could have possibly said and as each second ticked by with Merlin keeping Arthur secure in his arms, the safer Arthur felt, until eventually, he was ready to pull his head back a little and look upon the face of the sorcerer who had served him and (apparently) saved him for the past year. “Did you really do all of that?” Arthur asked as he met Merlin’s worried gaze with his own, steady one, having to shout even louder than he had been before to be heard as he was no longer speaking directly into Merlin’s ear. “Yes,” Merlin said after moistening his lips, increasing his volume as well, though it was still a little hard to hear as the wind tried to steal his words away. “I did.” “Why?” Arthur asked, genuinely curious how this impossible man had come into his life and upended it so completely. “Because,” Merlin said with deep sincerity, “You’re a good man, Arthur Pendragon, despite your best efforts to hide it,” Merlin added with a small smile, “And I wouldn’t see you dead. Not if I can stop it.” Arthur paused, really letting Merlin’s words sink in, before giving Merlin a curt nod of understanding, if not acceptance. It was all too new, and they were still way too high up, for Arthur to really know how he felt about all this at the moment. “Do sorcerers make a habit of flying around?” Arthur asked, wanting to change the subject and thinking of how he would have to change his knights’ formations to compensate for such a skill. Merlin laughed, distracting Arthur, his heart jumping in a much more familiar way at seeing the unabashed joy that Merlin never made any attempt at concealing. He started talking just as the roar of the wind reached a crescendo, drowning out some of what he said. “…Magic comes in many talents, categories, with a variety of skills associated with each talent. Magic requires practice for us to master any skill, let alone a talent. It took me a week to feel I could perform this skill. To put that in perspective, it took me only a handful of hours to successfully transform the dog statue,” Merlin explained, joy still radiating off him as Arthur actually listened to his explanation on magic without looking like he was battling murderous rage. “Though,” Merlin added, an almost shy look overtaking his joy as he continued, “it took that long because I practiced something else, too. Something I want to show you, if you care to see it?” Arthur had to strain to hear Merlin’s question, as his voice became uncertain as he offered to show Arthur more magic. And, as much as Arthur longed to feel the reassuring firmness of solid ground again, he was curious to know what Merlin had spent a week doing whilst not getting drunk at the tavern. “Alright,” Arthur gave his permission and Merlin’s smile rivaled the brilliance of the sun, in Arthur’s estimation. Still, Arthur felt uneasy at what he had just done, what he had just agreed to. When Merlin started casting his spell, that magic language falling from his lips, Arthur couldn’t help but tense. And when Merlin’s eyes flashed gold, Arthur nearly flinched, as he had never experienced anything pleasant in the presence of that flash. Arthur took stock as the swirl of gold slowly receded from his eyes to once again reveal Merlin’s vibrant, comforting blue but nothing seemed to have changed and he wondered if Merlin’s spell had failed. It wouldn’t surprise him, given how inept Merlin could occasionally be. “Do you trust me?” Merlin asked, looking hopeful. The question took Arthur off guard, though, he supposed, it really shouldn’t have as Merlin had been saying all along that Arthur could trust him. It was a question that should have an obvious answer; Merlin was a servant and a sorcerer. One, Arthur had been raised to ignore as they were only there to serve a function, whilst the other, Arthur had been trained to hunt down and destroy. Of course, where Merlin was concerned, he had never been able to do the former and the latter…was unthinkable. But did that mean he trusted Merlin? Before today, if pressed, he might have said yes but he wasn’t sure that was the case anymore. Merlin had held back a fundamental secret, had lied to him to protect that secret, and though Arthur understood why Merlin had done it and at least he was bringing everything out in the open now, Arthur really didn’t know if he could completely trust this new Merlin. “I don’t know,” Arthur answered honestly, Merlin giving a nod of acceptance though he couldn’t hide his disappointment. He was just opening his mouth to say something when Arthur spoke over him, words rushing out that he hadn’t actually meant to say but that he refused to take back, “But I’m willing to try.” Arthur hadn’t realized he was going to say that, he didn’t know where this supposed “willingness” had come from. He hadn’t even been aware of making any kind of decision, one way or the other, but some part of him, perhaps the part taking note that Merlin still held him close, making him feel a warmth that had nothing to do with the sun as he felt almost like Merlin was holding him like he was something precious to him, must feel some form of certainty. “Okay,” Merlin said reassuringly into Arthur’s ear, head once again pressed along Arthur’s, his warm breath a gentle caress compared with the whipping wind, “That’s okay.” Arthur felt the scrape of Merlin’s cheek against his own as Merlin nodded, probably inanely but Arthur couldn’t see to be sure. “Can we get down now?” Arthur asked, much more politely than he felt he ought. It seemed his mouth and brain still weren’t agreeing on what he was feeling at the moment. “Actually,” Merlin said, a bit of mischief in his voice that Arthur didn’t trust at all, “I thought we might stay up here a little bit longer.” “What have I told you about thinking, Merlin?” Arthur drawled, the playful words coming easy. “To do it, since you can’t be bothered,” Merlin shot back without hesitation and since there was no way he could see Arthur’s face, Arthur let himself smile, just a little. “Just wait until we’re back on the ground,” Arthur said menacingly, a small part of him shocked that Merlin had revealed that he used magic and yet, seemingly, nothing had changed between them. “But until then,” Merlin chirped, uncowed by Arthur’s false anger, “The spell I practiced, the one I just cast.” Arthur clenched his jaw at Merlin’s casual attitude towards his magic use, like it was an everyday, normal thing that he did but held his tongue and listened to what Merlin had to say. “This spell, it’ll make the air feel as solid as the ground under your feet. You can take a few steps, move around, just don’t let go of my hands.” “And why would I want to walk around on air that feels like ground when I can just walk on the ground without the pesky risk of falling to my death?” Arthur asked. “I bet Morgana would do it,” Merlin taunted, the smile clear as day in his voice. “Are you calling me a girl, Mer lin?” Arthur asked indignantly as he’s the one who is supposed to needle Merlin with that jab, not the other way around. Merlin was not only a sorcerer; he was a thief! “Actually,” Merlin said with a laugh, “I believe I said that a woman is braver than you.” “Fine,” Arthur snapped after thinking that over for a moment. Arthur took a big gulp of air that he tried to hide by turning it into a sort of half-snort, ordered himself sternly not to so much as glance down at the ground far, faaar below him, and took a deliberate step back, shooting a challenging glare towards Merlin as he did so. Arthur’s foot sank lower and lower, much further than he thought reasonable if Merlin’s spell worked at all like he said it would. He was just starting to think Merlin was a liar when, it turned out, he was just incompetent and put the “floor” too low. Arthur’s foot finally hit “solid ground” a good half metre below where he and Merlin had been floating, causing Merlin to tower over Arthur as Arthur removed his other foot from Merlin’s. Arthur shifted his weight slightly, testing just how reliable the spell below him was. It certainly wasn’t at all like standing on true terrafirma. Sure, his feet were being supported and he wasn’t plummeting to his death but there was an insubstantial quality to the “surface” beneath his feet, like stepping onto land after a long time at sea and feeling the rock and roll of waves that were no longer there. “What now?” Arthur asked with a surly expression as he had to look up to talk to Merlin, which just should not happen. Temper turned to shock, however, as Merlin gently ran his hands up Arthur’s sides, around his shoulders in a sensuous glide, and then down his well-muscled arms, the warmth of Merlin’s hands seeping through Arthur’s shirt pleasantly. Then, they were holding hands, Merlin’s surprisingly large hands clasped around Arthur’s own. Merlin then took a step down—a very strange sight in mid-air—and started to sway. The roiling quality of the “ground” didn’t seem to unsettle Merlin as he used his hold on Arthur’s hands to move him side to side, mirroring the “ground’s” movement with an odd sort of grace. For a being who was so clumsy on the ground, up here Merlin appeared to be at ease, more confident in his movements and Arthur found himself following Merlin’s lead. Though the only sound surrounding them was the rushing wind, Merlin led Arthur through the steps of one of his favourite dances, pulling their bodies close, then back, close and to the side. Arthur took a step back from Merlin, keeping him at arm’s length and shouted in confusion, “Why are we dancing?” Merlin responded with a joyous laugh, throwing his head back, the sun glistening along his pale throat like the caress of a lover. “We’re walking on air, Arthur,” Merlin replied, “What the hell else are we going to do?” Arthur thought about that and, for the first time since Merlin took him up into the sky, truly took in his surroundings. The wide expanse of blue had never seemed to vast, the sun so warm and welcoming, the earth below him a tapestry of colour, like a living quilt. It was all wondrous. Secretly, as Arthur tipped his own head back to take in the kiss of the sun’s rays, he thought, no wonder people turn to magic, if this is the result . “Can I spin you?” Arthur asked playfully, a quirk to his lips that Merlin ignored in favour of letting go of one of Arthur’s hands, taking control of his body, and leading him through a breath- taking and perfectly executed twirl. “No,” Merlin said with a smirk. Accepting that he was in no danger and that Merlin, at his heart, was still the same idiot and friend he’d been before this reveal, Arthur play-growled and wrested control back from Merlin, twirling him and leading him through the dance steps until they were breathless with laughter and falling against each other, the wind stealing away and hiding the sound, the evidence, of their joy in the use of magic.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), OCs
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon-Typical Violence, Getting Together, 5+1, Magic Reveal, power reveal, BAMF!Merlin, switching POVs, Misunderstandings
Published: 2020-08-30 Completed: 2020-10-25
Words: 61053
Chapters: 6/6
One in a Million
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Merlin is attacked, and Arthur is furious, but revealing the reason why may change their relationship forever. Based on a tumblr post by whumpster-dumpster. Notes See the end of the work for notes “Merlin,” Arthur said, his voice as flat as the stare he had fixed on his manservant, “you’re bleeding.” “Huh? Oh.” Merlin put down the tray of food he had been carrying on the table, tentatively touching his split lip and flinching a bit at the pain. When he drew his hand back, he was, in fact, bleeding. He chuckled, trying to ease some of the tension that was emanating from Arthur. “I’ll just get myself patched up by Gaius once I’m done here.” Arthur stood abruptly from his desk, his chair scraping against the floor. Merlin felt his heart start racing as Arthur stalked closer to him, Merlin leaning onto the table as Arthur’s arms came to rest on either side of him. They stared into each other’s eyes for a moment before Arthur tugged out the chair that was next to Merlin. “Sit.” For the first time in his entire career as a manservant, Merlin did what he was told without complaint. Arthur’s eyes scanned Merlin’s entire face, his hand coming up to gently cradle Merlin’s jaw. His other hand brushed away Merlin’s fringe, tracing along a cut just above his eyebrow and traveling down to circle a bruise along his cheekbone. Finally, his touch feather-light, his thumb grazed across Merlin’s lips and wiped away the remaining blood there. His eyes were soft as he did this, and Merlin felt himself growing dazed, heat following wherever Arthur’s hands touched. “Merlin.” “Yes?” Merlin hated how breathy his voice sounded, but he was sure that in this moment, he would do anything Arthur asked. Arthur’s soft eyes grew murderous. “Who did this to you?” Merlin snatched his face back as if Arthur’s enticingly warm touch now burned. It’s not that Merlin couldn’t tell Arthur who attacked him, but to tell him the reason he was attacked… Merlin plastered on a reassuring smile, doing his best to sound normal. “Oh, you know how clumsy I am, sire. I simply,” Merlin searched for a probable explanation for his face and, though Arthur hadn’t seen the bruises yet, his body. “fell down the stairs.” “You—” Arthur’s eyebrows furrowed before he let out a scoff. “You fell down the stairs?” “Yep.” Arthur turned his back to Merlin, walked a few paced, then turned on his heel and stomped back to him. “You are a terrible liar, you know.” “I’m not lying!” Merlin tried and failed to sound indignant. “If you don’t tell me yourself, Merlin, I’ll simply have to investigate.” Arthur crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, giving Merlin a look that rivaled Gaius. Merlin felt his heart stutter. If Arthur found out the truth, he would never look at Merlin the same. He might even fire him on the spot… or worse: execute him. “You can’t!” Arthur sighed heavily, kneeling in front of Merlin. He put a hand on Merlin’s knee, his thumb absentmindedly stroking as he said, “Merlin, you can tell me anything.” “Arthur…” Merlin’s hands were gripping the armrests so tightly that his knuckles turned white. It was just a simple touch, yet Merlin was having immense trouble thinking clearly. “Stop.” “Stop what?” There was his confused look again, and Merlin would’ve found it endearing in any other situation, but right now, Arthur was just too close. “Stop caring about me so much, stop being so kind to me, and stop touching me!” He blurted out, and the hurt on Arthur’s face as he withdrew his hand from Merlin’s knee was enough to prompt him to add, “I don’t deserve it.” “Who told you that? Your attacker?” The murderous glint to his eyes was back. “No—I—It’s—” Merlin sighed heavily, deciding to just get it over with. “Arthur, I like men.” When he was met with a blank stare, Merlin continued, “That’s why I was attacked. There’s a rumor going around the lower town, and it happens to be true.” Merlin, whose eyes had been trained on the floor during his confession, risked a glance at Arthur. He looked stunned, and Merlin wanted to make a hasty exit before that shock turned to disgust. “I understand if you aren’t comfortable with me as your manservant anymore, and I promise I never tried to take advantage of my position or anything like that, but I’m just going to go and—” Arthur’s hand grabbed his shoulder as Merlin tried to stand, gently pushing him back into the chair. “Tell me everything. Start at the beginning.” Though confused, Merlin obliged. He told Arthur of how he realized he was different from the other boys of his village around puberty. While everyone was busy with courting the prettiest girls in the village, Merlin was busy thinking about Will. He told him about how, while supportive, his mother told him he must never let anyone know or even suspect his preferences. He told him about his heartbreak when he found Will kissing a girl by the creek, and how he was glad to be sent to Camelot after that. He told him how he wished he was normal, or at the very least, that he could find someone like him. By the time he finished his tale, Merlin found that he was crying, mourning the fact that he would never know true companionship. He startled out of his reverie when Arthur wiped away one of his tears. “Arthur?” Merlin asked, hesitant. “I thought I was the only one.” Arthur smiled, ruefully. “What?” Merlin croaked, his mouth suddenly dry. “Merlin,” Arthur smiled, happily this time, “I like men, too. My whole life, I thought that there was something wrong with me and that I was the only one, but now… Now there’s you.” A laugh burst out from Merlin, shocking them both. “I just can’t believe it.” “But, Merlin,” Arthur sobered, “while we’re being honest with each other, I must tell you something.” Merlin felt his heartbeat quicken as he nodded, fearing the worst. “I don’t just like men… I like you.” Merlin leaped out of his chair, his hands coming to cradle Arthur’s face as he pressed their lips together. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the pleasantly surprised look on Arthur’s face. “I like you, too.” “What are the odds?” Merlin smiled as he wrapped Arthur in a tight hug that was quickly returned. “One in a million.” End Notes Hey, guys! I know it's been forever since I've posted anything, but I've been really depressed lately lol I hope y'all are doing better than I am Also, sorry if the ending is super cheesy!! Comments and Kudos are much appreciated as are prompts since I'm not in the most creative headspace right now! Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Protective Arthur, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), but just a little bit, Coming Out, First Kiss
Published: 2020-09-13
Words: 1054
At the Last Moment...
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People [are] hiding everywhere; stand still as a stone... Merlin has imagined telling Arthur his secret. He's thought about it countless times, hundreds upon hundreds. Thought about his fate, his destiny to serve Arthur as the Once and Future King. But he's never imagined this. Never thought this would happen, never thought he would take such a step. And now he is certain that his end has come. (Or, Merlin plans or rather decides spur of the moment to reveal his magic and - if necessary - die trying. Because how can he be completely, utterly certain that he is immortal, Kilgharrah? And how can he truly serve Arthur if he forever conceals an integral part of himself?)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Category: Gen, F/M, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) & Other(s), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Will (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin), Undisclosed Relationship(s), Minor or Background Relationship(s)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin)
Additional Tags: What-If, During Canon, Magic, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arguing, Fights, Self-Esteem Issues, Self-Hatred, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Gwaine Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Crying, Implied Relationships, Visions, Anger, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Alternate Ending, Fate & Destiny, Banter, Protective Arthur, Anxiety, Panic, Panic Attacks, What Have I Done, Humor, Attempt at Humor, Mistaken Identity, Swearing, Confused Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin is So Done (Merlin), Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Epic Friendship, Friendship/Love, Season/Series 05, Post-Season/Series 05 Finale, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Innuendo, Arthur Pendragon is a loveable idiot, He's a good sort though, Both he and Merlin are, Merlin has had enough of this, Hugs, Gwaine is a supportive bestie, Everyone Loves Merlin (Merlin), Affectionate Insults, Nicknames, Elyan Lives (Merlin), Declarations Of Love, Canon-Typical Violence, Deviates From Canon, Kissing, Boys Kissing, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), Gwaine's Hair (Merlin), Gwaine Flirts (Merlin), Episode: s05e13 The Diamond of the Day, Post-Episode: s05e13 The Diamond of the Day, Dreams, Dreams and Nightmares, Cuddling & Snuggling, Sleepy Cuddles, War Boys Showing Affection, Merlin has a lot of feelings okay, Pre-Battle of Camlann (Merlin), Battle of Camlann (Merlin), Post-Battle of Camlann (Merlin), Arthur also has feelings they're just a bit... repressed, Oblivious Arthur, dumbasses in love, Merlin's Neckerchief (Merlin), Idiots in Love, They're both idiotic and dumbasses let's be honest, Emotionally Repressed Gays, Emotionally Repressed Bi Boys, The author relates so hard Series: Part 6 of Storm the Court and Save the King
Published: 2020-09-23
Updated: 2020-12-28
Words: 19065
Chapters: 18/25
the dragon said it was destiny (but my dear, that was never enough)
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“What can I do for you, Sire?” Gaius asks. “Is Merlin around?” Arthur says. A pause. “No.” “You sure?” Arthur raises an eyebrow. “He is out gathering herbs.” “Mind if I come in, then?” Arthur insists. He walks in, without waiting for a response. He is the King, after all. Merlin is literally just sitting at the table. The idiot didn’t even try to hide. The druids really ought to find a better leader. ******* Arthur doesn’t want to have to deal with the ways he is different from his father. Merlin is tired of secrets and pretending they don’t both know what is going on. And Arthur doesn’t know much about destiny, but he does know that Merlin isn’t evil, and Gwaine possibly is. Anyway, the trees have seen it all. Notes some disclaimers: you’ll have to forgive any historical inaccuracies here, I’m definitely not an expert. I also took the liberty of having Lancelot happily engaged to Gwen. They are very wonderful, and Merlin and Arthur are very stupid. I literally just wrote this for the last scene, which came to me in the middle of the night and had me way too emotional. The friendship between the knights is probably one of my favourite things about Merlin and I wish I had explored it more. Maybe I’ll write something else soon about that friendship, but please know as you read this that they are all completely obsessed with each other, even if they won’t admit it. I don’t really reference much that actually happens in the show, this is sort of an au where everything else is vaguely is the same but the actual plot is also put on hold for a bit so Arthur can sort out his feelings for Merlin. Don’t think too hard about it. See the end of the work for more notes 1.The Dragon said it was Destiny. Arthur finds it is different, in the woods and in the castle. In the castle, Merlin is his terrible servant who lives with Gaius and who makes fun of his knights. In the woods, Merlin is his terrible servant who is also his closest friend and who he would willingly give his life for. It’s not his feelings that change, necessarily, but out here, everyone understands the way they feel because they feel almost the same way. That undeniably makes it different. The sky is starting to darken as they eat, Arthur and the knights having dragged Merlin out on a hunting trip. He complained, but honestly, Arthur swears he’s starting to enjoy parts of it. Perhaps not the killing animals, but the escape, the stars, the comradery, probably. And Arthur understands. He lives for those bits too. It’s not that he minds being King. It’s all he’s ever known or imagined and he’s happy with it, as bold a claim as that may be for one only officially crowned a week ago. Still, sometimes it is nice to escape for a short while and eat stew made with fresh meats around a fire. Arthur hears laughing, and pulls himself out of his thoughts. “And that’s not even mentioning the time Uther married a troll!” Merlin was saying. “Oi!” Arthur frowns. “Stop laughing at my father, he’s not even cold in the ground.” “Well it’s not like he can hear us, Princess. And this is so fascinating!” Gwaine grins. “Anyway, I’m not laughing,” Merlin shakes his head, definitely still laughing. “It’s literally just a fact that it happened.” “He’s got a point, Sire,” Leon raises his eyebrows. The traitor. Arthur shakes his head and clicks his tongue. He doesn’t mind, not really, and they know it. He’d even grudgingly admit to thinking it’s nice to have people who don’t step so carefully around him. Not out loud, of course, that would hardly be proper. Anyway, the stew Merlin makes is nice enough to almost make up for his complete lack of manners. “I will put you all in the stocks. Don’t test me.” He says, and he truly thinks he is pulling off the Stern King act, until he notices his own smile. By the time they finish eating and talking, the moon is high in the sky, and it is a warm enough night to sleep on bedding rolls without any shelter. Merlin goes to clean up while the knights prepare for the night and lay around the fire that is burning itself out slowly. And if Arthur puts his bed a little closer to Merlin’s than he ought to, he’s pretty sure nobody notices. It is only when he can hear Percival’s gentle snores that Arthur allows himself to open his eyes and turn his head to find Merlin looking over at him. Merlin’s smile widens, and Arthur cocks his head, gesturing for Merlin to come closer. Arthur is no idiot. He knows he shouldn’t so desperately want to lay under the stars with Merlin in his arms, and he suspects that Merlin has the same fears. For now though, they settle with this - an unspoken embrace that they won’t even think about when the sun can see them. 2.His friend said it was betrayal. There are definitely advantages to being King. Arthur likes that he can make his own judgements now - likes to think he is being more just and fair than Uther ever was. He likes that he isn’t always being monitored and told if he is a good enough son, a worthy heir. He even, admittedly, likes the clothes and the crown. However, the way he sees it, the biggest disadvantage is that he can’t ever get a moment to himself. He is constantly surrounded by guards and servants and as much as he tries to tell them that he can look after himself thank you very much and he already has a servant who is more than capable - which he even manages to say with a straight face - they still won’t leave him alone. He expects it will wear off eventually as they learn that he doesn’t want the same constant dedication his father did. For now, though, it’s frustrating. It is only really his chambers that they don’t come into. Guards still stand at the end of the corridor, but he’s used to that, and the servants have gathered that Arthur won’t allow them to enter without clear permission. Apart from Merlin, of course, but that hardly counts, him being Arthur’s personal manservant and also probable best friend and all. He regrets thinking that almost immediately, remembering that he is currently annoyed at Merlin. The idiot failed to show up for his job today and left Arthur without anyone to share knowing looks with at today’s meeting. It is a relief when Arthur’s duties in court are finished early and he can retire to his rooms. He is just thinking he should maybe send somebody to find Merlin and remind him that he is in fact required at the feast tonight when he hears the crash coming from his bedroom. Instinctively, Arthur puts a hand on his sword and races to open the door. Well. There’s Merlin. There’s also a washing pot smashed on the floor in a puddle of water. And a selection of Arthur’s own clothes, suspended in mid-air. They shouldn’t be doing that. Merlin is holding a broom and the horror in his eyes even scares Arthur. Arthur takes a step back and shuts the door again. He stumbles over to the nearest chair and collapses on it. He counts to thirty and then stands up. He doesn’t have to address this. If he addresses it that means he has to think about it and if he thinks about it that means it happened and Arthur really, really doesn’t want it to have happened. He knocks on his own bedroom door, like some sort of commoner. Merlin opens it. Arthur peers inside. There is still a broken pot on the floor, but now the clothes are laying in messy piles and the broom is in the puddle. Arthur looks Merlin in the eyes. “Please refrain from breaking all my pots, Merlin. And tidy that mess.” He says. His voice doesn’t even shake, which he is quite proud of. Merlin frowns, but Arthur doesn’t let him speak. Instead, he promptly leaves his chambers. There’s never been a better time for a training session with the knights, Arthur decides, so he gathers them and lets them complain about it. It’s a good distraction. Over the next few weeks, Arthur gets good at pretending he didn’t see anything. Thankfully, Merlin seems to get the message. Sometimes, Arthur genuinely does question what he saw. Honestly, he really might have got it all wrong. There’s certainly no cause for concern. He has bigger problems, anyway, like preparing the castle in case Morgana attacks again. Still, he can’t help but notice little things. Like when they go on a hunting trip and Merlin lights the fire without anything in his hands. Or when Leon is playing a card game with Merlin and Leon just happens to lose his grip on the cards right before he makes a winning move. The time when the two of them almost get captured by bandits, until a branch falls from a tree and blocks the path just after they get past it. But Arthur isn’t thinking about it. Coincidence is a wonderful thing, and there’s no way that his idiot servant could really have done any of that. 3. His Mother said it was safety. Arthur has been king for over a month now. It’s all going quite well, really. The people are warming up to him and he has heard rumours that they are feeling a lot better about his reign than his father’s. He misses his father, naturally, but he can also accept that he wasn’t the fairest of rulers, so he understands why they speak this way. He’s happy that they accept him as King so easily. Merlin rolls his eyes when Arthur mentions this. “You just like that they like you, you arrogant prat.” He has even gotten away with not having to face any magic within the kingdom, up until now. Up until this idiot of a druid shuffles into his court, asking to speak to a man named Emrys. Arthur doesn’t know what to do. For a start, he doesn't even know an Emrys, let alone have one in his court. And that’s not even getting into the fact that according to the laws of Camelot, he should technically be immediately ordering the execution of this woman. He doesn’t want to do that. It’s not like she’s hurting anyone. Arthur has never felt right about killing people for no reason. But really, she comes walking in here, putting him in this position! It doesn’t feel like a considerate thing to do. “Who is this man you speak of?” He asks. He hears Merlin shuffle behind him, and assumes his servant dropped something. He manages not to turn around and roll his eyes. “Emrys is our leader, Your Majesty. I need to speak with him. It’s important.” The druid woman says. “Right. Well I’m afraid I can’t help you. You’re aware magic is banned in Camelot, aren’t you?” The druid nods, hesitantly. Merlin coughs. Arthur still doesnt turn around. He deserves congratulations, honestly. He doesn't even need to turn though, after all, because Merlin takes it upon himself to try to sneak out of the room, which means Arthur both can look directly forwards and roll his eyes at Merlin. “Merlin?” He sighs. “Sorry. Um. I need some water.” Merlin says. “Yes, fine, go on.” Arthur waves a hand. The majority of the court around them looks annoyed, a few of the older members even starting to tut. Arthur glowers at them, but he’s definitely going to shout at Merlin later. He turns back to the druid woman. “Right.” “I was mistaken.” She shouts out. “There is no Emrys here.” Well, obviously. Arthur nods. “Leave, and never return.” He commands. The guards step to escort her out, but Arthur shakes his head. No need to treat her like a criminal. If she leaves as she is told, then surely nobody can blame him for that. The session gets back to normal, after that. Just the typical Not Enough Grain and Too Much Sickness problems that he is equipped to handle. Merlin never makes it back in, but as Arthur is leaving he bounds up to the door and walks with him back to his room. “What the hell were you playing at, Merlin?” Arthur asks. “Do you want me to look like I have absolutely no control whatsoever?” It comes out more pathetically than he would have liked. “Yeah, I’m sorry about that.” Merlin grimaces. “Just be quieter next time, I suppose.” Arthur says as they turn the corner. Merlin chuckles, but he sounds slightly on edge. They reach Arthur’s room, and Merlin locks the door behind them. That’s unusual. Arthur turns to him, brows furrowed in his unspoken question. Merlin breathes out slowly. “What is it?” Arthur asks. “I should make up another lie, you know. But I am so tired of it and it’s not even like it’s actually a secret anymore.” Merlin mutters, more to himself than anything. He seems to shake himself and nods. “Ok. Arthur. I have magic. Was born with it. We should talk about that.” Arthur feels his blood run cold. No. They definitely should not. But now Merlin has started talking he doesn’t seem to be able to stop and Arthur can’t figure out how to make his tongue work. “And really, I would never dream to use it against you, Arthur, or Camelot, or anyone, really, unless it’s in defence. And I didn’t choose to have it but I do and it’s part of who I am and the prophecies all speak of how I should protect you with it so I do that but it doesn’t really make me evil, I swear, and-” “Merlin.” “Yes, Sire.” Wow. Merlin really must be frightened, to be using titles. Arthur sits down on his bed. Merlin continues to fidget where he stands. Finally, Arthur lets himself think about it. He lets himself feel all the things he has been scared to feel and he has refused to think. The main emotion surging through him is one of betrayal. If he can’t trust Merlin, who can he trust? Why did Merlin never tell him? Oh Gods, was Merlin scared of him? Did Merlin have such little faith that he thought Arthur could ever do him harm? “What do you mean, protect me?” Arthur tries. So Merlin tells him. Staring at the floor the entire time, Merlin tells stories of all the times that apparently Arthur failed, and it hurts. It hurts that Arthur never achieved the things he thought he had. It rips him apart, in a way. And so does the fact that Merlin risked his life, so many times. That hurts too. Merlin tells him stories in the meekest voice Arthur has ever heard come from his mouth. After, Merlin stops, and says “I think that’s the big ones,” and Arthur stares at him. “Why are you telling me now?” He asks flatly. “The druids need help.” Merlin says, quieter than ever. “Why would you know this?” Arthur continues to use his best monotone. “The druid that came today told me. Um. The druids call me Emrys. Well. I’m in some prophecies. She said that there’s a beast attacking all their camps. They just need a place for their injured and homeless to stay, for a bit. They want to come here because I’m here. I think they’re under the impression I have a bit more leverage than I do.” Arthur sighs. “And what? You expect me to do something?” Arthur asks. Merlin scrunches his face and his shoulders sag. “Get out of the room, Merlin.” Arthur sighs. Merlin unlocks the door, his hands visibly shaking, before he turns and leaves. Arthur can’t clear his mind well enough to think clearly about this. He knows he is upset. And he wants to be angry. He really does. But all he can seem to feel is pity. Pain for the man who suffered through all he did without any recognition. Merlin doesn’t show up for work the next day. It is George that brings the King his breakfast. That morning, he sends a message for Gaius to pass on to Merlin that he will not do him any harm. That afternoon, he sends a messenger to the druid camps, telling them that if they are inconspicuous about it he is willing to house those who need it most. That evening he sends a second message to the druids telling them that he will help them fight this beast if they need it. 4. The old King said it was a reward. Two weeks go by, and Arthur hardly sees Merlin. He hears that Merlin is doubling down on his work with Gaius. Lancelot comes to him, one evening when Arthur thinks he had slipped away into the woods alone, and asks where Merlin is. Arthur shakes his head, but then Lancelot says “I know,” and Arthur finds out he knew about the magic all along and he feels jealous. “So, what is he getting up to?” Arthur asks, and he tries to say it casually, at least. “Tending to the sick. He helped the druids who were attacked get back to their camps. Uh. I’m not entirely sure what it was, but he got rid of whatever it was attacking them.” Lancelot says, his face schooled into a blank expression. Arthur shut his eyes, ashamed he didn’t even know. “That sounds dangerous.” He says. Lancelot shrugs, then nods. “He’s feeling really down. He misses you.” Arthur makes a noise of exasperation in the back of his throat. “Why did he have to go and tell me then?” He throws his hands into the air. “I don’t know what he expects me to do! It’s illegal. I’m being ridiculously lenient!” “I know, I know. I don’t think he wants you to do anything. I don’t think he imagined this part - the part after he told you about it. But I think you should talk to him. We all miss having him about.” Arthur makes no move to react, and Lancelot walks away. Arthur stays in the trees for some time, probably hours. When he starts to feel too cold, he runs a hand through his hair before climbing onto the horse he brought. He heads back, keeping the horse moving slowly. He misses Merlin too. Of course he does. But everything he has ever been taught tells him that magic is evil. It was drilled into him for all his life - magic corrupts and taints people until they aren’t even people anymore. That the kindest thing you can do for a sorcerer is kill them. But the thing is, Merlin doesn’t seem very evil. Arthur saw him trip over his own shoelaces, once. There’s been times when he has shown up in the morning with his tunic on backwards. Plus, Merlin’s been in Camelot for years. Surely if he wanted to do them harm, he would have done it by now. He seemed so genuine when he was telling Arthur that he didn’t mean to hurt him, too. And Merlin does that thing where he tugs on his ear when he’s lying so Arthur would know. The idea that Merlin has been ‘protecting’ him seems hardly better, though. He thinks back to the things Merlin said he has done to look after him. It makes him sound so pathetic. How can he be a great king if he can’t even look after himself? Furthermore, it makes him sound like such a horrible person. He has been insisting Merlin is an idiot, thinking nothing of it. Was that all an act? Who even is Merlin, and did Arthur ever see it? Then there’s all the things Merlin must have suffered. He couldn’t even talk about it! He has mourned people Arthur didn’t even know existed and never let it show, not once. How much has he dealt with all by himself? Arthur has always thought he knew the man well; could tell how he was feeling, but he fears that his servant was a stranger all along. When Arthur gets back into Camelot, he takes a back passage - a secluded one with less experienced guards. It’s mostly used by servants, but Arthur used to come here a lot as a teenager. He never felt the need as he grew up and tried to become the perfect heir, especially not now he is King, but his knowledge of how to sneak in and out never failed him as a youth and it is certainly not going to fail him now. He shrugs off the guards as he goes through the gates, insisting he needs to be left alone. Hah. They should never have let him in like that. He could be anyone really, they didn’t even ask to see his seal. If he wasn’t so grateful for it he’d have them fired. He is tying up the horse, still avoiding attention when he hears the crying. It’s so quiet that if there were others around, he’d have missed it, but the sound is so heartbreaking that Arthur whips around to see who is there. It’s coming from behind the stables, he realises. He treads round, keeping his footsteps as silent as he would close to rabbits on a hunt, and cranes his neck around the corner. It’s Merlin. It’s Merlin who is crying. Guinevere is sitting with her arms around him on the floor, squatting in the mud. Merlin is facing away. Guinevere is not. Her eyes meet Arthurs, and she scowls. It’s a shocking expression on her face, but it does clear up what Merlin is upset about. And Arthur is terrible at emotions, but the thought that after everything Merlin has done, Arthur has upset him this much - that isn’t nice. Guinevere jerks her head, and Arthur takes the hint. He edges away from the stables and climbs the stairs to his room. George is standing in his doorway. Brilliant. Exactly who he needs to see, Arthur thinks sarcastically. “Ah, there you are Sire. We were beginning to worry.” George says while bowing deeply. It’s so unfair. How does he manage to be both overly respectful and passive aggressive all at the same time? Arthur nods, and pushes past him through the doors. George follows. “Why are you serving me George?” He sighs, rubbing his face. “Merlin said you asked for me. He said you no longer require his service.” George says, frowning slightly. He gasps. “Did I understand wrong, your Majesty? My greatest apologies if I have wronged you?” “No, no. ‘S fine.” Arthur says. “It’s just, I never really fired him, exactly.” George’s eyes widen. “I never meant to assume-” “Nothing to do with you. Just. Tell him I’m expecting him back tomorrow morning, okay?” Arthur says. “And tell him if he keeps avoiding me like this I’ll have him in the stocks again, for old times sake.” George nods dramatically. Arthur rolls his eyes. “And deliver that bit as a joke.” He allows. “He’s apparently a bit fragile at the moment.” 5. The Knights at the table said it was friendship. There is no servant waking him up the next morning. Instead, he is woken when Gwaine comes crashing in, followed by spluttering guards who clearly don’t know if they are supposed to arrest the knight or not. “Son of a bitch. He’s still in bed.” Gwaine shouts. “What the hell is going on?” Arthur breathes, sitting himself up. It’s never his favourite thing to say immediately upon waking. “You’re late to training Princess. And I was all for saying, hey, fuck it, I didn’t even really want to be here anyways, but Leon got all serious saying we have a duty or whatever, and then Lancelot seemed a bit worried something had happened to you, and then I realised that you would never let us get away with being late so I came to get you. And here you are. Asleep.” “Oh.” Arthur said. Merlin still wasn’t showing up, then. “I’ll be down in ten. Tell Leon he’s in charge until I get there.” Gwaine nods. “Ok. I definitely won’t be doing that, but okay.” He pauses. “Why were you asleep? Are you not meant to get woken up and like, dragged around?” Arthur appreciates that he didn’t use Merlin’s name, but they both know that is what is being alluded to. “Hm. You’d think.” Arthur grimaces. Gwaine snorts, but then his face flickers into something more weighty, for a moment, and he says, “look, I don’t know what you and Merlin fell out about. But it’s pissing me off a bit, ‘cos he won’t talk to me and I do not appreciate the way he will talk to Lance but not me. And like, no offence Princess, but I came to Camelot for him, really. So fix it.” He nods, and then skips out again. Arthur makes it out to the training grounds about half an hour later to find Gwaine and Lancelot missing. The others - Leon, Elyan, Percival, and then all the ones that he doesn’t like quite as much - are doing pretty well without him. Still, if there’s two things Arthur is an expert on, it’s fighting, and asserting himself. So he shakes his head and strides over. He’ll deal with his personal issues later. *** The trouble with later is that it tends to come pretty quickly, so now Arthur is pacing his room as he tries to figure out what to do about Merlin. He wants to talk with him, obviously. He just isn’t entirely sure what he wants to say. He had been hoping not to have to plan it too much. If Merlin had just stopped hiding away and showed up this morning they could have a nice spontaneous conversation. But now Arthur is having to think about it and he really can’t think of an outcome that works. He is just about to give in and call for a different servant to take Merlin’s job when Gwaine bursts in, again. “What the fuck?” Arthur says flatly. “We need to talk, actually.” Gwaine says, his eyebrows raised. He swivels and shoos the guards hovering behind him. They look to Arthur who sighs and nods. They leave and shut the door. “Why the fuck was I not the first to know about this whole magic business?” Gwaine demands. So he knows then. “Keep your voice down.” Arthur begs. “And why are you asking me? It’s got nothing to do with me.” “I mean, it does. In a way. But I’m not asking you, I’m asking the Gods at large. Because Lancelot? sure. They met before you were all blessed with my friendship, but why on earth would the idiot not bother to let me know once we did meet? But no , he waits until I ask Lancelot what’s going on and Lancelot sends me over like he has some sort of authority.” Gwaine storms. “Lance says its because he was trying to protect me and he didn’t want me to go down with him if you decided to murder, but obviously you would never do anything to hurt Merlin because you’re in love with him and I think if you were going to kill me you’d have done it by now. And no offence, but your laws are pretty stupid because everything I’ve seen in kingdoms where magic’s legal has got me feeling pretty okay with with it. Actually, judging people by what they do with the magic seems so much better, so he didn’t need to worry about me caring in that way. I just don’t get it.” Arthur notices he has stopped talking vaguely, but can’t find it in himself to respond even to the blatant treason. He’s pretty sure his face has gone white, and his thoughts are, very unhelpfully, just circling the word ‘love’ round his brain over and over. “Anyway-” Gwaine goes to continue, having caught his breath, but Arthur holds a hand up to stop him, and for once, Gwaine shuts his mouth. “Love?” Arthur breathes. “Ah.” Gwaine grins. “Yes.” Arthur makes it over to his desk and collapses into a chair. Gwaine finds an armchair to throw himself into. It’s times like this that Arthur remembers that Gwaine is much more intelligent than he gets credit for. He knows how to talk bullshit, clearly, but he also knows when to shut up. After at least five minutes of silence as Arthur leans his head on his desk, he looks up. Well. He has a plan. It’s a terrifying plan, yes, but the knights of Camelot don’t get scared. So he takes a deep breath. “Tell me more about how other Kingdoms treat magic, Gwaine.” *** Right then. Time to start destroying his father’s legacy. Arthur is doing everything he can not to become hysterical. He’s never loved the way that people who hadn’t hurt anyone were killed so quickly, but he never dared to consider doing things another way. Yet, if Gwaine is telling the truth, which is already a dangerous assumption, it can be safe. It will have to be done slowly, and it will take a long time to build any sort of trust between his courts and the users of magic. Hell, he’s still half convinced that magic is inherently evil and it’s going to take a lot of educating himself to change his mind. But Merlin? Definitely not an evil man. Just an idiot and a liar. That he is apparent in love with. And that is why he needs to learn more. He has already found all of the books that Uther confiscated on magic. He tried reading one but put it down about three sentences in. He’s not that big on reading, but he will do it. At some point. Honestly though, he has bigger priorities now. He glances at the parchment on his desk, which reads: find Merlin tell Merlin I am not going to kill him or even banish him but I am still angry with him tell Merlin I want to legalise magic shout at Merlin for keeping secrets from me and ignoring me for almost three weeks without even being dismissed legalise magic find out if Merlin loves me It’s not the sort of list he would like his father to be looking down and reading. Or maybe looking up? Arthur isn’t sure. He turns the parchment over, just in case somebody comes in. By this point he has no more excuse not to just get on with it, so he heads out to find Merlin. He likes having a plan. It makes everything feel less like treason against his Father and more like he is just doing a job. He knocks on the door of the physician’s chambers, and Gaius looks surprised to see him when he pulls it open. “What can I do for you, Sire?” He asks. “Is Merlin around?” Arthur says. A pause. “No.” “You sure?” Arthur raises an eyebrow. “He is out gathering herbs for me.” “Mind if I come in, then?” Arthur insists. He walks in, without waiting for a response. He is the King, after all. Merlin is literally just sitting at the table. The idiot didn’t even try to hide. The druids really ought to find a better leader. “Hello Merlin.” He smiles. It doesn’t quite reach his eyes but he hopes it comes across as friendly. “Arthur.” Merlin replies. “Let’s go for a walk.” Arthur says. It’s a command and Merlin can tell. He’s got that look in his eyes that he always gets when Arthur tells him what to do. Unusually though, he doesn’t complain. He gets up and gives Gaius a placating look, then leads the way out of the room. They walk in silence as they leave, and Arthur takes them the back way out. The leaves on the trees above them are starting to turn golden and drop underfoot. Arthur knows this is Merlin’s favourite time of year. He mentioned it a few years back. Maybe being out in it now will make things better. They get to a clearing in the trees, close enough to the castle walls that they can hear the bustle of the town, but far enough away that they won’t be overheard or seen. Arthur squats down to sit on the floor. Merlin copies. This feels like a sitting down conversation. “You’ve been avoiding me.” Arthur accuses, then flinches. Great. Whining was exactly how he wanted to start this. “Can you blame me?” Merlin frowns. “Yes. A bit. When have I ever given you the impression I’d do anything to hurt you?” Arthur says, wounded. “What?” Merlin shakes his head. “That’s not what I mean.” “Oh.” Arthur falls silent, trying to work out what the fuck he’s talking about. “I just didn’t want to put you in that position. How could I make you choose between me and Camelot? You’d hate yourself either way.” Arthur lets out a shaky breath. This was all for his benefit. Again. Merlin has let himself suffer for Arthur’s benefit. He doesn’t know how to start talking about that though, so instead he says “Why did you even tell me, then?” Merlin laughs, but there is no humour in it. “I didn’t really mean to tell you, then, you know. I’d always imagined you finding out on some battlefield, somewhere. But then you saw. And you didn’t say anything and I felt so awkward and wrong all the time. And I’d just spent all morning lying to Percival about why his arm was getting better so quickly and I was just so tired of it all. So I ruined everything.” “That’s dramatic,” Arthur snorts. Merlin doesn’t react. “Right, sorry. You didn’t ruin everything, Merlin. I don’t hate you for it and I didn’t hate you even when you first told me, really.” “You sent me out of the room.” “Yes. That was wrong of me. We needed to talk. Maybe I’m the one who ruined things.” Arthur agrees. “No. It’s my fault.” Merlin closes his eyes. Arthur looks at him properly, at a loss for where to go from here. And fuck, does he look terrible. He’s looking almost as scrawny as when they first met, and there are deep dark circles under his eyes. He seems paler than before. The worst part is that the spark of joy that Arthur took for granted as a part of Merlin is gone. He just looks exhausted. How is Arthur supposed to be angry with that? “Open your eyes.” He instructs. Merlin does. “You are such an idiot. Stop being awful. You don’t get to keep putting me above yourself. Anyway, I’m going to make magic legal.” There. He said it. “Gwaine says it’s possible, and before you complain this is not just to win you over. I have been thinking about it for ages.” (That’s a bit of an over exaggeration, but he does truly believe he would have gotten there eventually even without Merlin, so it will suffice as an explanation.) Merlin blinks. “You aren’t taking advice from Gwaine? ” And there’s the spark, coming back. Arthur smiles. “Well, my favourite advisor is having a strop. I’ve been making do.” “You can’t just make magic legal Arthur. It will never be that easy.” Merlin sighs. “I know it won’t be easy. It’ll take years probably. I’ll need your help, I think. I think the first thing I need to do is make official peace with the druids.” Arthur shrugs. Merlin turns to look him in the eyes with a hesitant grin. “Gods, you’re serious. I didn’t think you were.” Arthur shrugs. “It’s been a long time coming, probably,” he says, and then looks away with a smirk. “I do what I must to get my armour polished.” “I literally sent you George. He probably polished it ‘til it was a whole new colour.” Merlin laughs. Arthur has missed that sound. He shakes his head slowly and gazes at Merlin, with his stupid cheekbones and his idiot hair. “I was going to be angry with you. For keeping secrets and lying to me and putting yourself in far too much danger. At first I really thought I should hate you. I still probably should be angry with you.” Arthur pulls up a blade of grass and twirls it in his fingers, speaking almost absently. “I should be angry with you, Merlin, but all I can think about is how much I love you.” Gods, Arthur hopes he isn’t blushing. There’s at least thirty seconds that pass in silence. That definitely feels too long and Arthur is about to stand up and run back to his room and never get out of bed when he feels Merlin’s lips on his. And then, the world is right. 6. The servants said it was a job. Merlin wakes him up the next morning, but it is different because Merlin is also in his bed. Arthur likes this a lot more. Merlin apparently does too. “I get it.” Merlin nods. “You get what?” Arthur asks, brow furrowed. “Why you never want to get out of bed. Obviously I was wrong about the fact that you have better things to do because I think this mattress is the best thing that there is in the whole of Albion.” Arthur agrees wholeheartedly. To prove this, he pulls Merlin closer by his waist. It’s like it is in the woods, only so much better, because they have all the time in the world. “That being said,” Merlin declares and pulls the covers off the both of them. “I have a job to do and so do you. Rise and shine Arthur!” He chimes. Arthur decides he actually does hate Merlin a little bit. He buries his head in his pillows. There’s a knock on the door and he sees Merlin look over questioningly. Arthur considers not letting them in because whoever that is should definitely just schedule a time and place to talk to him properly. He never gets to make that call, though, because the doors crash open and Gwaine strides in. “Morning Princess,” he says, rubbing his eyes. He spots Merlin and does a double take. “Oh! Brilliant! I was just coming to see if he was doing his job again and here he is!” Arthur nods, silently wondering if there was a coup he didn’t hear about that put Gwaine in charge. He rolls his eyes and Gwaine skips over to Merlin and pulls him into an embrace. “I am so very happy for you both.” Gwaine nods. “I will tell the other knights that you are busy this morning so that you can have sex.” Arthur throws a pillow at his head as he dashes out, and Merlin’s cheeks colour. “Well, I suppose everyone basically knows now.” Merlin groans. Arthur decides that Gwaine is definitely not too good for the stocks, knight or not. “Wait. No. He can’t tell everyone.” Merlin blurts out. He’s already starting to run out after his friend as Arthur asks why. Honestly. This is the second day in a row of getting himself dressed. Obviously he doesn’t actually care that much, but it’s the principle of the thing. He sleepily heads out of his room in search of a different servant who can be trusted to bring him breakfast without running away. It’s not until he is almost finished eating that Merlin waltzes back in and helps himself to a sausage. He sits down on Arthur’s bed to eat it, and explains that he figured Gwaine shouldn’t spread rumours due to the fact that they don’t want any suspicion that Arthur is ensorceled, and that’s the reason for legalising magic. Arthur’s eyes widen. He should have thought of that. When he gets to training later, Gwaine winks at him and Lancelot looks away in a way that shows he is definitely just pretending not to notice. The point is further proven when he sidles over to Merlin at the edge of the field and they start to talk animatedly. Arthur looks away. Leon smirks at him, eyes flicking between him and Merlin, and Arthur rolls his eyes. Elyan nudges Percival in the ribs and nods over at Merlin with a grin. That’s maybe a good sign. They’re probably just happy he’s back, right? But then Gwaine saunters in their direction, whispering “I swear nobody else” as he passes Arthur, who promptly decides that keeping a secret from all his idiot friends is a lost cause. It’s a good job they are all too obsessed with Merlin to think the worst. Probably, if Merlin did put a spell on Arthur, they would take Merlin’s side anyway. They can all come when he goes to find the druids. It will be nice. *** Next time they are all in the woods, it is with a peace treaty to propose. Merlin thinks the druids will be open to it, if Arthur makes himself out to be truly sorry. That shouldn’t be hard. As he has learned more and more about these people, partially from books but mostly from Merlin, he feels worse and worse about the way they were treated. Merlin has been telling him lots over the last two months, and Arthur has learned lots. He has learned that magic is not good or bad, and the person using it is the one who does the harm. (Or good, as Merlin puts in.) He has learned that the druids are an inherently peaceful people. He has learned that Merlin is the son of the dragonlord they found and he has learned that he was probably very insensitive when Merlin watched his father die. He has learned that there were prophecies made about him, calling him the Once and Future King, claiming he will bring about a Golden Age and bring magic back to camelot, and then unite the whole of Albion, so long as Merlin keeps him alive long enough. He has learned that these prophecies were thrust upon Merlin when he was just a teenager and he feels upset that Merlin has been carrying such a heavy burden by himself for such a long time. He has learned that Merlin is supposed to be the most powerful warlock there ever will be, and has even been called magic itself. He has also learned that this changes absolutely nothing about Merlin’s character, because Merlin definitely is still a clumsy idiot who doesn’t know the difference between types of spoon and sometimes puts his socks on inside out and hates to let him kill animals they have hunted or even found running around the castle. His favourite thing he has learned is all about Merlin and the way his mouth tastes and the way he squirms when Arthur touches his neck and the sounds he makes when they are in bed with the candles blown out. The point is, that he truly does want to apologise to the druids. It’s just annoying that they are so hard to find. Merlin sighs and says that they have had to be because they don’t want to get killed. Arthur shoves him into a puddle. They stop riding when the sky starts to darken, and set up camp for the night. As the winter approaches the blankets they need are a lot heavier and Arthur wishes the fire wouldn’t burn out while they sleep. He says this out loud and Merlin shrugs before his eyes turn gold and the fire grows stronger. “Ok.” He says and Elyan starts to applaud. Gwaine quickly joins in and before Arthur knows it they are all laughing and the knights are asking him to do more magic, and Merlin is actually doing whatever they ask for like some sort of court jester. Arthur rolls his eyes. He knows his part of the performance. They all know that’s all it is. They climb under the blankets, and Arthur shares the widest one with Merlin as they lay together. Everyone definitely notices. 7. He said it was love. Arthur still hasn’t really been king for long, and he doesn’t feel particularly good at it yet. He isn’t doing a bad job, whatever he knows his father would think, but the people still don’t quite know what to make of him. Sometimes, he takes walks through the lower town and hands out food to the hungry and helps children reach the apples on trees. Merlin says that this is a ridiculous performance at being all good and noble. Arthur agrees that that might have a bit to do with it, but he does also like being helpful. The servants have backed off and are treating him as they did when he was prince again, which is nice. There are still guards who seem to think they need to watch him wherever he goes, but he has gotten quite good at shaking them off without offending them. He has made a tentative peace with the druids, who don’t properly believe it yet but Merlin is trying to bridge the gaps. Arthur still pays Merlin as a servant, but he makes an effort to give him as little work to do as possible and finds that he actually doesn’t mind doing a lot of the servant’s jobs for himself. In public, of course, Merlin still pours wine and carries bags and walks two steps behind Arthur. But Merlin has always been so much more than a servant and they both know it. *** The castle is feeling oppressive tonight. There is no specific reason for it, but Arthur wants to get out. Merlin laughs and says they could always just leave, then, so they do. They take a horse each and charge through the woods under the stars, and Arthur doesn’t know what type of King he is going to be yet, but he can feel that the promised golden age is coming, and he wants Merlin by his side for it. They come to an open space and Arthur slows down. Merlin copies. Arthur jumps from the back of his horse. Merlin sort of awkwardly slides down. “Did you ever learn the constellations, Merlin?” He asks. “No. Because I’m not a rich prat.” Merlin comments. “I always liked looking at the stars, though,” he concedes. “Let’s do that, then.” Arthur decides and so they lay on the floor on their backs together. It is very uncomfortable, but then Merlin reaches out to hold him and it gets nicer. They lay in silence for a while, enjoying the night air and the occasional sound of owls in the trees. “One day, Merlin, when we’ve sorted all of this out properly, I’m going to make you court sorcerer.” Arthur whispers. “No you aren’t. That doesn’t exist.” Merlin whispers. “Used to. In the old days. I’m going to bring it back.” Arthur shrugs. “People will have to call you by a title.” He adds. “They definitely will not,” Merlin says. “But the rest of it sounds nice. You should do it. I dare you.” Arthur laughs. They are quiet for a moment longer. “And then, Merlin, I am going to marry you.” He says, still whispering. Merlin keeps his eyes on the stars. “I’d like that.” He answers. “Will people mind, though?” He asks, sounding genuinely unsure. “Lancelot had the idea I could frame it as an alliance to magic. To prove I’m dedicated to righting the wrongs and all.” Arthur tells him. Merlin beams at the moon. “This better not be the proposal.” He says. “Of course not. I will do a much better proposal when you are least expecting it. Guinevere will tell me what to do.” Arthur nods. “No, I mean this isn’t the proposal because I will be proposing.” Merlin whispers. “I’m going to tell Gwen she can’t help you at all, because you are a clotpole and I will do it better.” “Shut up, Merlin.” “What will you do next?” Merlin whispers, obviously just to be annoying. “I don’t know. I suppose I’ll have to find some general King Stuff.” He snorts. “Do you want to hear my idea?” Merlin murmurs. “Well, I suppose you are going to be my most important councillor one day.” Arthur pretends to consider. “But you are not yet.” “What is that supposed to mean? That’s a terrible answer. Do you want to hear it or not?” “I would like nothing more.” Arthur says. He says it sarcastically but doesn’t really mean to, and Merlin takes it as an invitation anyway. “I think we should listen to the dragon. Unite Albion. End all these wars that keep happening over land.” “Imagine.” Arthur rolls his eyes. “I am. Nobody in Camelot ever goes hungry if you can do anything about it. You actually get to know your people. I will never ever say this again but other kings are worse than you. I think if anyone is going to do it, it should be you.” Merlin is still speaking quietly. It’s as though they think that by whispering, the things they say don’t mean anything. Arthur doesn’t talk for another minute. “I suppose it would be nice. To not have people suffering all the time.” Arthur allows. “The balance of the old religion would be restored, if you did it, I think.” Merlin mutters. “It’d be impossible, though, Merlin.” “Maybe. Maybe not. You’d go down in history.” Merlin grins. “We would go down in history.” Arthur corrects. Merlin smiles. He turns to face Arthur for the first time since they lay down, and now they’re looking into each other’s eyes as they shiver in the cold. “Yeah,” Merlin breathes. Let’s be legends, Arthur.” “Let’s be legends.” *** And so, they were. End Notes thank you for sticking this out!! ly all Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), George (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), gwaine is a good friend, Lancelot (Merlin) Lives, this is set before his death anyway, I just want to make it clear that I love him, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), but emotionally, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, There's a lot of praise for the woods, because I wrote this listening to the over the garden wall soundtrack, The knights are good friends, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), honestly merlin is a bit ooc, but that’s just because i was sad and i would have liked arthur to comfort me, so i guess it’s just me projecting, anyway, Protective Arthur Series: Part 1 of dragons and destiny
Published: 2020-09-28
Words: 8057
Ear muffs?
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Two of our favorite idiots in a story that leads to the invention of........ Notes So this is something that popped into my mind in the middle of my French class today. And then I wrote it in between classes.... Please bear with the horrible writing. I thought it was kinda cute and shitty at the same time. But who cares, it's out for the world to see I hope y'all like it :) See the end of the work for more notes It was a chilly afternoon in Camelot. The usual hustle and bustle had simmered down by this hour. The people walked around the town covered in their blankets, cloaks, or the closest piece of fabric to give them warmth. Meanwhile in the castle, going about his routine like any other day, Merlin waltzed into Arthur's room to wake him from his siesta. He expected to find the King tightly curled up in his quilt and yearning for a little more warmth for comfort. Instead he saw Arthur sitting at the edge of his bed with a tiny frown playing between his brows, staring intently at the floor with a hand propped on his knee cradling his beautiful face. He hadn't noticed Merlin's presence….. yet. This is unlike Arthur. Merlin thought to himself and made his way to his sweet, sad (?) King. "Arthur." No response. "Arthur?" Still no response. "ARTHUR!!" Can he not hear me?! My dragons would have appeared in front of us if I summoned them immediately. Realization dawned on him and a mischievous smirk slowly crept it's way to Merlin's lips. Hmm….maybe this will work. "HEY DOLLOP-HEAD!!" "Huh!?! I'm up! I'm awake!" A startled Arthur seemed to react to this endearing name. Although barely glancing at his beloved confidant. Classic. Merlin thought and let out a faint giggle. "Oh, it's only you, Meeerrrrliiiinn." Arthur lets out a sigh and goes back to being his gloomy self again. Merlin moves closer to his bed and makes himself comfortable next to Arthur. "Arthur, you know you can tell me anything right? I'm here, to listen to you talk, all you want. But please don't shut me out. Please Arthur. Whenever you're ready, let me know." As Merlin was about to get up, Arthur didn't speak instead he tugged at Merlin's hand, a gesture to make him stay. So he stayed. Arthur gently rested his head on Merlin's shoulder and the two of them sat in silence staring ahead at the fireplace, while Merlin conjured a variety of shapes and forms subconsciously. But it was okay, Arthur knew he had magic and lifted the ban on sorcery in Camelot for him and only him. Minutes had passed by, when finally Arthur broke his silence. "Emrys, I-" "Please don't call me that, Artur." "Okay, alright. I'm sorry. Merlin, I'm feeling all sorts of things. I can't quite put my finger on it. Can you help with that? I don't think so Merlin. It's mine alone to bear. I can't have you taking this upon yourself, not when you have a great destiny resting on your shoulders…." Merlin was not expecting that as a reply to his question from Arthur. He was….. Confused? Perplexed? Now he wasn't sure what he was feeling either. Arthur really put him in a spot. Either way Merlin responded. "Arthur, you are my destiny. Nothing can change that. So you might as well tell me, because what goes around comes around. Get that in your pretty little head, clotpole." Arthur, still not looking at Merlin, smiled a little at this. When Arthur finally does look at his beloved, he's bemused and is lost for words. He'd never seen Merlin wearing such strange things before. He's trying to hold back his laughter. But quickly reverts back to his frown because he remembers he's sad. Instead, he plainly questions Merlin. "What are those things you're wearing?" "What things?!?" "The things on your ears!!! You look ridiculous! A complete idiot! I'd even go to the extent to say you look like a total turnip-head!" "First of all, STOP STEALING MY WORDS ARTHUR PENDRAGON!" "Or what Merlin?! You're going to throw me out of my own kingdom? And what's your second point, cabbage-head?" Merlin visibly calm, pointed to his ears and said, "These are my old neckerchiefs stuffed with cotton. I put them over my ears to keep them warm, besides it's so chilly and my ears get cold really fast and I'll catch a cold." "Clearly only an idiot like you would do such a thing!" "Only a prat like you wouldn't want to protect themselves from the cold. Look at you! You're not even wearing a shirt when the majority of Camelot is freezing! And you shall see Arthur Pendragon, one day the people of the world will be grateful for this invention of mine." "Oh really Merlin, I'd like to see you try. So what are these 'things' called then?" Clearly Merlin didn't have a name for his invention. After giving it a little thought, he did come up with a name. "Hmm…. Ear muffs?" End Notes It was terrible, wasn't it? I'm gonna vanish from the face of the Earth. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen, M/M, Other
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table/Merlin (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Neckerchief (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Magic, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Merlin - Freeform, less than 1k words
Published: 2020-09-29
Words: 767
That's not Emrys
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“To my shame, I must admit that I have made a small -”, Uther took a deep breath. “- miscalculation.” ...... “My lord, are you suggesting that I impersonate your son?” ----- Or: Of course, the king of Meredia didn't just come for a round of tea. No.... It is his goal to get the mighty Emrys out of the way to finally get rid of Arthur. There are two things he didn't calculate, however: 'Arthur's manservant' isn't Emrys. And Arthur is much harder to kill than he expected. That might have to do with the fact that Arthur isn't actually Arthur. That aside... the Castle faces bigger problems. Because no matter how much Leon needs George as his pretend manservant.... The staff needs George even more. And no, they do NOT care that someone is trying to kill Leon.... again. Well I suppose Merlin's and Arthur's past lives also play a role in this. But you gotta have to figue that out by reading ;))) (Merthur)
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: Gen, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: George & Leon (Merlin), Gwen & Leon (Merlin), Leon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Lancelot (Merlin), Gaius & Leon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Morgana (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), (IMPLIED)
Character: Leon (Merlin), George (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Iseldir (Merlin), Gwen's Mother (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Cornelius Sigan
Additional Tags: Poison, Impersonation, Uther is a mess, Immortal Leon (Merlin), Magic- Users, All Magic Comes With a Price, Hostage Situations, Memory Loss, Memory Magic, Reincarnation, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Leon Knows About Merlin's Magic, George Knows About Merlin's Magic, Gwen knows about Leon's immortality, George knows about Leon's immortality, accidental romance, Accidental Plot
Language: English Series: Part 2 of The eternal suffering (BBC Merlin) , Part 56 of Merlin´s magic Collections: Merlin
Published: 2020-09-22 Completed: 2021-09-15
Words: 76,734
Chapters: 16/16
When Arthur saw Merlin
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Arthur and Merlin go swimming. And Arthur sees Merlin. Notes Thanks to @SpiritWorld for being my beta! This fic is dedicated to the lovely people on the NootNoot Merthur server. <3 It was late afternoon and the sun was dancing through the trees of the forest that Arthur and Merlin were riding in. After hunting all day long, Merlin was tired, but Arthur seemed hesitant to return to Camelot, even though it wasn't far from their current location. "Arthur, can we take a break or go back home, please? You haven't even looked at the animals for a while now and I really don't wanna be on that horse anymore," Merlin complained. "Does your skinny arse hurt, Merlin?" Arthur mocked his companion with an amused grin on his face. "Yes, it does, if you must know. Even though my butt is really none of your business, your majesty," Merlin mocked back. Arthur wheezed. Funny enough, he hated it when Merlin addressed him with his official titles. Suddenly, Arthur stopped his horse and looked at his friend for a moment. "We could go swimming," he said. Merlin's eyes lit up instantly. "I know a lake that's only a couple more minutes from here," he answered with a wide grin plastered to his face. Arthur nodded and motioned for the guards to come closer. "You are dismissed for today," he advised them. "Return to Camelot and bring the prey to the kitchens. We will return before nightfall." "Follow me," Merlin said when the guards were gone before he rode off in another direction. * * * As soon as they reached the lake, Merlin jumped from his horse and secured both of their horses to a tree. "Finally!" he exclaimed overly dramatic, making a weird stretching pose with his arms. "I bet I will be faster," Arthur laughed and started to undress faster than Merlin had ever seen. "No way," Merlin laughed back, easing himself out of his boots and tunic at the same time. When Merlin was left in his small clothes only, he glanced up, finding Arthur struggling with the ties of his breeches. Merlin chuckled a bit and turned to his friend. "Let me help you, Clotpole," he said. With skilled fingers, he undid the knot. "There you go. It was a double knot." When he glanced up, he saw that Arthur was staring at his muscular chest. "Arthur?" Merlin said, stepping out of Arthur's private space, laughing more to himself, than to Arthur. "I -" Arthur shook himself out of his stare "- wasn't even looking." With one motion, he stepped out of his breeches and small clothes and ran into the lake. Merlin followed only seconds after. * * * The cold water was like a gift to Merlin's naked skin. He could feel the sweat and dirt of the day coming off and felt as if he could finally breathe again. "Don't enjoy yourself too much, Merlin," Arthur shouted from somewhere behind him. Merlin turned around and before he knew what was happening, Arthur tackled him and pushed both of them underwater. Merlin wiggled himself free from Arthur's grip and quickly emerged back over water. He caught his breath, and muttered a "You'll regret that, Arthur!" to his friend. "Yeah?" Arthur smiled flirtatiously. "Show me." Merlin splashed water into Arthur's face to buy himself a split second more of time. Then he yanked his body forward, throwing himself at Arthur with his arms outstretched. It didn't quite work though. Being a skilled fighter, with and without a sword, Arthur wasn't thrown off his feet in the way that Merlin had predicted. Although Merlin wasn't the small, lanky boy anymore that he used to be when he first came to Camelot, his stature was still smaller than Arthur's. Years and years of daily training and healthy eating had turned Arthur into a fit and muscular man whose body wasn't pushed under water easily. Years and years of hard work as a servant of Camelot, however, had provided Merlin with some physical power himself. The two men continued their water-battle for a while. Free like little kids they were chasing each other through the water, laughing together. Just two friends. Not a king and his servant. Just two men. * * * Soon, their movements became more gentle. Softer. Their touches lingered longer than before. "What's that?" Arthur said, pointing at a big scar on Merlin's right shoulder. "Oh, this," Merlin answered. "Back in Ealdor, shortly before I came to Camelot, Will and I were climbing a tree. The branches broke and we fell. Will almost died that day and I put all my energy into saving his life. I didn't even notice that I was hurt too. By the time we were back in the village, the wound had ripped open even further. My mom was angry at me for taking such a big risk. That's where the scar is from. From the wound that wasn't treated in time to heal completely." Merlin was avoiding Arthur's gaze, for reasons that Arthur didn't understand. "Look at me," Arthur demanded, softly turning Merlin's head around with his index finger. "It was not your fault. You were very brave and you managed to save your friend. You are a brave man, Merlin. You are not to blame for the accident. " "Thank you, Arthur," Merlin smiled. Arthur still hadn't taken his hand from Merlin's face. "Can I -" Arthur pulled his hand back into the water. "- I've never seen you like this before. Can I see you?" His cheeks flushed. "What do you mean?" Merlin answered, before the realization about what Arthur was asking for sunk in. Arthur had never seen Merlin naked before. He had never been this exposed to Arthur before. Merlin was a servant, he was always dressed when he was around Arthur. He was dressed when he helped Arthur to dress in the morning. He was dressed when he shaved Arthur's face. When he cut his hair. When he washed Arthur's back during bath time. "Oh," he said. "Yeah, I guess that would be fair, wouldn't it?" "Only if that's ok. I don't want you to do anything you don't want. But I would like to see you," Arthur added. Merlin nodded quietly, then he grabbed Arthur's hand and walked him out of the lake towards the shore, where he let go, took a step back, and turned around to face his friend. And Arthur saw Merlin. He saw his strong shoulders, the black hair on his buff chest, his strong hands, his legs, his everything. He saw Merlin's scars and bruises that seemed to cover his whole body and wanted to ask about every single one of them. He saw the curve of his neck, beautiful and exposed, without the usual neckerchief covering it. Arthur stepped forward into Merlin's private space, his eyes locked to the blue eyes of the other man. "You are beautiful, Merlin," he breathed, tracing the outlines of Merlin's lip with his fingers. Arthur's heart was hammering in his chest like it never had before and Arthur thought it might burst when Merlin leaned in to press a gentle kiss to his lips. * * * The End Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merthur - Freeform, Fluff without Plot, Nudity, Consent, Swimming, Canon Era, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Intimacy
Published: 2020-10-02
Words: 1160
Servant Mine
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It’s an old tradition. Arthur’s not even sure who started it. It was in place long before Uther and, if Uther had his way, it would be in place long after Arthur. It was something that Arthur kind of…accepted as something that Camelot did. Though…as he thinks about it, that may not be the best basis for what to count as good or bad. Notes Thanks so much to nonny on tumblr for the prompt! I'm sorry it took so long and I hope it's what you wanted, I had fun with it See the end of the work for more notes Prompt for you - An age old Traditional practice in Camelot states that whichever visiting lord wins a celebratory tournament on Uther’s birthday gets to take two servants as an offering of goodwill. Arthur puts a stop to it when Merlin is picked to be one of them. It’s an old tradition. Arthur’s not even sure who started it. It was in place long before Uther and, if Uther had his way, it would be in place long after Arthur. It was something that Arthur kind of… accepted as something that Camelot did. Though…as he thinks about it, that may not be the best basis for what to count as good or bad. “Wait, what?” Arthur sighs, setting the parchment down and looking up at Merlin. “Have you got ale in your ears?” “Have I—what?” “Well, considering how often you’re at the tavern.” “Maybe if you’d just speak clearly I’d hear you just fine.” Arthur rolls his eyes. “I told you, Mer lin, it’s tradition. Whenever a lord wins the tournament on the king’s birthday, they get to take two servants from Camelot as an offering of goodwill.” “And what does Uther get if he wins?” Arthur shrugs. “It’s his birthday.” “You say that as if that makes it so Uther won’t demand something extra just because it’s his birthday.” “Fair point.” Arthur winces, stretching out the kink in his shoulder. “He wins the glory of making the visiting lord admit defeat and concede to his might, I suppose.” Merlin makes a face that is truly impressive, almost as impressive at how little he tries to hide it from Arthur despite knowing that Arthur is the prince and his father is the king. “Well, at least we know they won’t win,” Merlin grumbles as he continues his chores. “Why’s that?” Arthur raises an eyebrow. “You saying my father is a magnificent warrior all of a sudden? You told me he couldn’t break a pot if someone dangled it on a rope in front of him.” “First off, that was you that said that—“ “No, it wasn’t!” “Yes, it was!” “No, it most certainly was not.” “And second, ” Merlin continues, raising his voice slightly, “it’s not as if Uther has to win for the lord to lose.” Arthur raises an eyebrow. “And who do you suppose is going to win if he doesn’t?” “Well, you’re fighting, aren’t you?” There’s a slight flutter of something in Arthur’s chest but he pushes it away. “Are you saying you’ve finally realized what a magnificent fighter I am?” Merlin stutters, his mouth opening and closing like a gaping fish. “N-no.” Arthur’s grin widens. “Yes, you are, aren’t you? Well, good. It’s about time you realized how impressive I am.” “You are not that impressive.” “No?” He tilts his head. “Then why’d you say that I was fighting?” “You, um,” Merlin mutters, stumbling over his words, “ happen to be better than a large majority of people.” “So you think I’m good.” “I didn’t say that.” “You just said I’m better than the majority of people.” “The majority of people in Camelot have never swung a sword before,” Merlin points out, “that gives you an unfair advantage.” “ Unfair—“ “Plus, you know the other knights will throw it if they go up against you,” Merlin continues gleefully, “Leon will, Lancelot will, Percival will…Gwaine might not…oh, but Gwaine could win.” “Merlin!” Although Arthur is loathed to admit it, when the day of the tournament finally rolls around, even Uther looks a little uneasy at the lord that walks inside. Arthur’s very glad he’s wearing his heavy cape and circlet. It gives him an excuse to shift under the guise of making himself more comfortable and not under the threat the lord’s heavy plate armor and solid stance gives him. Already he starts looking for anything that could be wrong; leaning too much weight on one side, slowness of step, even a slight tremor in his hand. But no, the lord moves as gracefully as a swan gliding through the water, nary a hitch in sight. “Uther Pendragon,” the lord booms, grasping the king’s hand in an enthusiastic grip. “Seibert.” Uther shakes his hand. “Good to see you again, old friend.” “What, you think I’m going to miss your tournament?” Seibert grins. “Not on your life.” “You may think you’ve still got something over me, but you won’t win.” “That’s what you’ve told yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked yet!” “On the contrary,” Uther laughs, “it’s worked several times.” “Well, if that’s the attitude you have…” Seibert starts looking around the hall. His eyes land on Merlin and Arthur’s hackles rise. Then his gaze flits over to Gwen and he sees Morgana’s hand twitch. “I think I know which two servants will be coming with me in a week’s time.” “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, old man.” “I don’t like him,” Merlin mutters as the two of them move off down the corridor. And as much as Arthur wants to correct him, say he’s suspicious for no reason, something is there, just under the surface, that stands the hairs on the back of Arthur’s neck on end. “I don’t like him either.” But Arthur’s hands are bound. He can’t do anything about it. Not that his father would listen. Then he notices the three women that follow Seibert down the hall. He frowns. Merlin follows his gaze. “Who’re they?” “They’re…” Arthur squints again. “I know them.” “So who are they?” “They’re former servants of Camelot,” Arthur says finally, “that’s…that’s Holly…and Malwen… and Lillith.” “You? Knowing servant names?” “Morgana,” Arthur says by way of explanation, “they—they must’ve come with Seibert.” “You never said he’d won before. ” “Apparently,” Arthur mutters as they turn their attention back to Uther and Seibert, still laughing like old friends, “there is a lot my father doesn’t tell me.” Uther might not tell him much, but Merlin tells him plenty. Merlin comes back into their chambers that night, his brow furrowed like a lizard’s elbow. Arthur lets him get on with it until he stumbles around the edge of his desk and there’s no snarky comment. He sighs. “Alright, out with it, what’s wrong?” “What?” Merlin glances up at him. “I’m fine.” “You’ve been quiet all evening, now tell me.” Merlin stares at him a moment longer, then looks away. “It’s nothing.” “It’s bothering you, it’s not nothing.” Arthur waits as Merlin chews on his lip. “It was Holly,” Merlin says finally, “I was helping her get Seibert’s chambers set up and she was limping.” Arthur frowns. “And?” “And I told her she could go to Gaius, that he’d help her out, and she…” Merlin twists his hands together. “She looked…confused.” “Like she didn’t know where to go?” “Like she didn’t understand why I told her to go to Gaius.” “Well,” Arthur says, crossing his arms, “she’s been away from Camelot for a while, surely that might’ve been something she forgot. That Gaius is the Royal Physician.” “No, she remembered who he was,” Merlin insists, folding the clothes almost angrily, “but she… she didn’t understand why I told her to go to him.” Well…Merlin’s right, that doesn’t make sense. If someone is injured they go to a physician. That’s what you’re supposed to do. “The other thing that was weird,” Merlin continues before Arthur can say anything, “is that she said she tripped on the stairs and that’s why she was limping. Funny thing is, yesterday, someone managed to spill oil across the stairs from the kitchen to this floor, and it’s been blocked off.” “So…she lied?” Merlin shrugs. “Apparently.” That’s certainly out of the ordinary. It’s not like Holly would’ve been in trouble for limping. Much less in trouble with Merlin. Arthur shakes his head, walking forward to clap Merlin on the shoulder. “Look, it’s not like Camelot’s going to fall because one servant lies about how she got hurt, right? She’ll go to Gaius, he’ll fix her up, and we’ll be fine.” Merlin sighs. “I know. I’m just worried.” “You’re a soft one,” Arthur teases lightly, “it’s in your nature.” Merlin shoves his shoulder. “Anyways,” Arthur laughs, “I’ve got to get ready for a training session tomorrow. Since we learned about this Seibert fight we can’t afford to be down one of our best fighters.” “Aside from Gwaine, of course?” “If Gwaine’s alcohol tolerance counted as fighting skill, we could take the whole world,” Arthur says wryly. Then it’s time for the feast. Arthur watches Merlin scurry off to join Gwen as he and Morgana take their places at the table. He catches sight of a quick conversation the two of them have and sees Malwen join them, polite smiles giving way to real warmth as Gwen takes her hand and gives it a squeeze. “They’re getting along quite well,” he hears. He turns, sees Morgana sit down next to him. “What do you think of them?” “The servants?” Morgana nods. “I don’t know, I haven’t spoken to them yet. Although…” He glances around to make sure no one’s watching them and whispers what Merlin’s told him. Morgana’s brow worries slightly as she takes it in. “Maybe she was embarrassed,” she murmurs, “didn’t want to tell anyone something happened?” “I don’t know.” Morgana glances over her shoulder and leans in closer. “Between you and me, and no one else, do you like Seibert?” “I haven’t talked to him either,” Arthur says, but he knows by Morgana’s tone that’s not what she’s asking. Sure enough, the look she gives him makes him lower his voice to a whisper. “No, I don’t like him.” “I don’t like him either.” Morgana risks another glance over her shoulder. There he is, coming in with Uther, both of them looking as proud as peacocks. “Well, at the very least, we know there are servants there who’re from Camelot.” “Yes, I’m sure Gwen will have a lovely time.” “As if I’d let him take Gwen.” “You may not have a choice.” Morgana gives him a look. “Would you let him take Merlin?” Before Arthur can answer, Uther and Seibert arrive, Uther raising his glass in a magnificent toast and the feast beginning. Everything runs smoothly, Merlin standing behind Arthur’s chair, Gwen behind Morgana’s, until they join the mass of servants filling glasses around the hall. Then there’s a sharp crack of pottery as everyone’s head whips around to see Malwen with her hands clapped over her mouth, a jug of mead spilled all over Gwaine. The hall falls silent. Gwaine peels away his mead-soaked chainmail as Malwen gathers the broken pottery with shaking hands when Holly came up and whispers in her ear. Malwen looks up in disbelief before nodding. As she bends to continue picking up the rest of the pieces, Arthur notices her hands are no longer shaking. “If you wanted to see me with my shirt off, sweetheart, you only had to ask.” Gwaine winks at Malwen as she mumbles another apology. He waves her off. “It’s alright, no harm done. Just fetch another and we’ll be set.” “Of course, sire.” She hurries away to grab another before making a swift exit, cradling one of her hands. Arthur’s about to turn away when Seibert makes what is quite possibly the lewdest joke he’s ever heard. Gwen freezes at his shoulder and even Gwaine looks slightly put out. Morgana’s mouth drops open and Uther stares at him in the uncomfortable silence. There’s an awkward pause until someone takes the goblet out of Seibert’s hand. “Perhaps that is enough for one night, sire.” “Feisty little flower.” The lord makes a grasp for the goblet but the hand lifts it and spins away. It’s handed to Gwaine who downs it gratefully. “I think Merlin’s right, Seibert, you’ve had enough.” He catches Percival’s eye and winks. “And that’s me saying that.” Just like that, the hall is back to ringing. Merlin makes his way back to Arthur and mumbles something to Gwen. Gwen nods sharply and takes the jug from him. “I’m going after her,” Merlin says to Arthur, “make sure she goes to Gaius.” Arthur nods, understanding what Merlin’s not saying. That’s two of Seibert’s servants now. And if Arthur watches the third one like a hawk for the rest of the night, well…he’s just doing it to make up for Merlin’s absence. As it turns out, it wasn’t Lilith that Arthur needed to be watching. It was Gwen. He finds her crying as she sweeps the throne room, and forces her to stop and sit with him for a minute after threatening to tell Morgana she was upset. “It’s nothing, sire, I’m just being silly.” “Gwen, I know you well enough to know that you’re never just being silly, you work too much for that.” Arthur rests his hand on her own. “Let me talk to Morgana, see about giving you a few days off. I swear, once this tournament is over everything will be better.” “No!” Gwen grabs his arm. Her eyes widen as she releases him like she’s been burned. “I’m sorry, sire, I didn’t mean to.” Arthur isn’t focused on her apology. He’s too busy looking at how she cradles her arm to her chest and recoiled from him as if…he’d raised his hand to strike her… “Gwen, has someone threatened you? Because if they have, I swear they’ll be dealt with swiftly.” “No, it’s nothing like that, no one’s threatened me.” Gwen’s voice is back under control. “I’m just a bit tired, that’s all.” Arthur opens his mouth to argue when a small knock comes from the door. “Sorry to disturb you, but the Royal Physician wishes to speak with you, Gwen.” “Of course, Sara, I’m on my way.” Gwen drops a curtsy to Arthur before walking over to Sara. “Shall we go now?” “Of course.” She leads the way out of the hall, leaving Arthur with far more questions than answers. Gwen comes back that afternoon. She seems happier, at least more at ease. Morgana corners him after Gwen left to see to the rest of her chores. “What happened to her?” “I don’t know.” “There’s no use feigning ignorance, I know something happened to her,” Morgana growls, crossing her arms, “she’s been flighty all day, now what happened?” “I told you ‘Gana, I don’t know she seemed different, especially…” He trails off but Morgana catches him. “Especially what? ” “Especially when I found her crying in the throne room this morning,” Arthur confesses. “ What ?” Arthur winces. “Why was she crying? What did you do? Why didn’t she tell me anything?” “Arthur? Morgana?” “Oh, hello, Merlin.” Morgana drops into a chair as Merlin walks in. “I didn’t mean to shout.” “I, uh, didn’t mean to overhear, but I can promise you Gwen is alright.” Merlin gives Arthur a look that says they need to talk. Arthur nods. Merlin sets the tray down on the table. “Gaius has seen to her and Gwen assured her she was fine.” “Gaius would do well to remember that Gwen is my handmaiden,” Morgana says sweetly, “and that if he has any concerns regarding my handmaiden he should come to me.” “Of course, my lady,” Merlin smiles as he leaves. “You do realize that wasn’t necessary,” Arthur says as he leaves, “he’s hardly going to rat you out to Gaius, and even if he did, it’s not like anything would happen.” “Not only do I have a reputation to maintain, dear brother, but it’s quite fun.” Morgana picks up the dagger he’d given her on her birthday and runs her fingers over the blade. “Merlin isn’t bothered by it and he’s are a relief after those awful haughty servants Vivian brought with her.” A smile crawls across her face. “Though I’m sure you enjoyed it.” “Says the woman who batted her eyes at every knight that arrived from the tournament last month. And did the same with Seibert.” “You know they fight better when you give them something to fight for,” Morgana says loftily, “and that most stupid enough to enter their lives in a game are quite subservient to the brain below the belt.” She snickers as Arthur makes a face. “Don’t worry about Gwen,” he says instead, reaching across the table to take her hand in a squeeze, “she’s a strong woman. She’ll be alright.” “I suppose you’re right. But if I find out who hurt Gwen — “ “I’ll tell Gaius not to bother patching them up.” She raises an eyebrow. “What makes you think there’d be a body to find?” The tournament is in two days. Merlin, Gwen, and Arthur are in Morgana’s chambers, having dinner. A meek knock comes on the door. “Come in,” Morgana calls. Lilith opens the door, slightly hunched, and glances around quickly. “Forgive me, sire, my Lady, I was looking for Gaius.” She bows and turns to leave. “If you want,” Merlin calls quickly, “you can tell me, or I can take you to Gaius now.” “No, no, that’s alright, I can find him,” Lilith stutters, “it’s not that urgent — “ “I’ll be right back.” Arthur doesn’t make a move to stop him. Merlin quickly walks over and gently steers Lilith out the door, closing it as they go. Morgana stares after them. “That’s all three of them,” she murmurs, “isn’t it?” Arthur nods, twisting the stem of the goblet back and forth between his fingers. “Something’s wrong.” “Gwen,” Morgana asks gently, “do you know what’s going on?” Gwen’s hands shake as she carefully pours another serving for the both of them. Morgana stands, taking the jug out of her hands and cupping them in hers. “Gwen, you can talk to me,” she murmurs, “please.” “We can’t let him win,” Gwen says simply, staring at their joined hands, “we can’t let him take any more of us.” “Why not,” Morgana prompts carefully, “will you tell me?” Gwen shakes her head firmly. “Not my place.” Arthur reaches out to pat Gwen’s shoulder. She nods in thanks and vanishes out the door. “I don’t like this,” Morgana declares, sitting back down, “and I’m going to get to the bottom of it.” “So what’re you gonna do? Follow them?” Morgana gets that face in response. “‘Gana, no. ” “Bold of you to assume you can stop me from doing anything.” With that, she sweeps out. Arthur sighs. This tournament can’t be over fast enough. The day before the tournament, Arthur finds Morgana in her chambers, face pale, and curled around a hot goblet. “Morgana!” He rushes over. “What happened? Are you alright? Are your nightmares back?” “No…” Her voice is firm but quiet. “Not my nightmares. Nothing happened to me.” “Then what’s got you like this?” She takes a deep breath and tells him. The day after Merlin and Lilith left Morgana’s chambers, Morgana finds Lilith in the kitchens and asks her for a favor. Lilith does as she’s bid and accompanies Morgana back to her chambers. As they work, Seibert comes to see Morgana. They talk briefly, Seibert inquiring about Gwen’s health, Morgana about how he feels about the tournament tomorrow, and Seibert asks her to accompany him to the feast afterward. Morgana accepts if only to keep an eye on him, and Seibert leaves. After she finishes with Lilith, Morgana dismisses her and walks away, only to double back and follow Lilith from a distance. Lilith walks quickly to Gaius. Morgana follows, her heart in her throat. Stopping just outside the door, Morgana leans against the wall and listens. “And he came by?” “Yes.” “And he asked the Lady Morgana to the feast?” “Yes.” “And about Gwen?” Merlin. It’s Merlin and Gaius. “We’ll fix it, I promise. He won’t hurt you anymore.” What? “What happened,” Morgana says, pushing the door open, ignoring the way Lilith startled terribly, “who hurt you?” “Eavesdropping, Lady Morgana,” Gaius remarks dryly, “not your normal style, is it?” His tone is pleasant as if he’d asked about the weather. “I’m sorry,” Merlin mutters to Lilith, “I didn’t think you’d be followed. But I think she can help, if you want.” “Yes, of course I can help,” Morgana says instantly, “what do you need, how can I—?” “That is not up to you,” Gaius says firmly, “but up to Lilith. Morgana watches helplessly as Merlin beckons Lilith to sit on the chair by the fire. “Here, don’t you worry, no one here’s going to hurt you. Are they any better today?” Lilith shakes her head and whispers something to Merlin. Merlin’s turned away so Morgana can’t see his face but she can see his shoulders tense. “Alright.” Merlin lays a comforting hand on Lilith’s shoulder as Gaius turns to escort Morgana out. No. It would’ve escalated had Merlin not spoken. “Lilith, do you want Morgana to help?” Morgana stops, waiting anxiously for Lilith to reply. Then Lilith nods, looking up slowly. “M-my Lady?” “Yes, Lilith, what can I do?” “I…” She looks up at Merlin desperately. “Why don’t you tell her what you told me,” Merlin suggests softly. Lilith nods, worrying her lip. “I was…I have a sister. Mother and father died. Lord Seibert, he…he won me three years ago.” Morgana nods. When Lilith doesn’t continue, she looks to Merlin for help. “Seibert takes you away from your families,” he says quietly, still watching his hand stroke soothing patterns on Lilith’s shoulder, “because it’s tradition. And no one cares who suffers because of it.” Morgana’s breath catches. “… suffers ?” Merlin glances down at Lilith before slowly easing the back of her dress open and sliding the cloth over her shoulders, leaving her back bare and facing the fire. Morgana walks around and looks. She gasps. Lilith’s back is littered with burns and scars, the skin pulled tightly over the bones and the skin cracked and broken. In certain places, the burns are angry and peeling, covering slightly older ones. Lilith winces as Gaius gently begins applying poultices and wrapping bandages around the harshly disfigured skin, murmuring words of encouragement as he works, finding him watching her closely. “What—who did this?” Merlin levels a stare at her. “You know.” “What? No, I don’t know anyone who…” Morgana trails off. No. “Was it Seibert?” she asks weakly. “Yes.” “And all the others, did—did things like this happen to them too?” “Yes.” Morgana takes a deep, slow breath. As she lets it out, the fiery worry in her belly cools to determined steel. “We’re going to get rid of that tradition and see all of you returned home.” Arthur sits back, flabbergasted. Morgana stares at him as if daring him to comment. “So…” he starts, only to stop. He tries again, still nothing. “… hell. ” “Quite,” Morgana nods sharply, taking a sip from her goblet. “I—we—“ Arthur takes a breath— “how long has this been happening?” “I have no idea.” “Is there any way I can help?” Stare. “You want to help?” “It’s not right,” Arthur insists, “and it’s happening in my men under my watch. Of course I want to help.” Morgana smirks and takes a drink. “Well, well, well, look at how you’ve changed. A while ago, you would’ve scoffed and dismissed the whole thing.” Arthur wants to argue…it’s true. “We have to get Uther to stop the tradition,” Morgana says firmly. “How? You know he’s not going to take the word of a servant over the word of a lord, much less his close friend.” “And what about our words?” “It’s tradition,” Arthur insists, even as it makes him sick to his stomach, “and even if it wasn’t… you know Uther. He doesn’t care what happens to servants. Not enough to do something about it.” Morgana’s mouth forms a hard line. Arthur can see how badly she wants to argue, how much she wants this to be anything other than it is. It isn’t. “You’d better win tomorrow,” she says instead and downs the rest of her glass. Seibert doesn’t win. Something happens to his sword, it flies out of his hand at a crucial moment. Arthur has no idea what must’ve got wrong. Absolutely not a clue in the world. Seibert leaves and Arthur watches the caravan exit the citadel. Merlin stands at his shoulder and he wraps an arm around him. On his other side, Morgana takes Gwen’s hands in hers and squeezes them tight. As the four of them stand there, he thinks of family. And home. And the safety of knowing that no one will ever hurt you again. He makes a promise. When he’s king, the first thing he’ll do is get them home. When Uther doesn’t make it to his next birthday, when Arthur passes the order, when Seibert returns thinking he can snatch up two more innocent people, the look on his face is reward enough. But it’s nowhere near the relief that passes over Holly’s face, Malwen’s face, Lilith’s face, when he tells them they get to come home. It’s nowhere near the pride he sees on Merlin’s face, nor the comforting weight of Merlin’s body in his arms when he crushes his servant in a hug the instant their chamber doors close behind them. Never again. End Notes Thanks for reading! Come yell at me on tumblr https://a-small-batch-of-dragons.tumblr.com/ Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/F, Gen, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Morgana (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin)
Character: Morgana (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Implied/Referenced Abuse, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Uther Pendragon Dies (Merlin)
Published: 2020-10-05
Words: 4198
His favourite thing
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Merlin visits Arthur in the hospital. Notes Written for Whumptober prompt nº 13: oxygen mask. When Merlin enters the room, Arthur has his eyes closed, but he opens them the moment Merlin sits in the chair near the bed. “Hello,” says Merlin. “They’ll take this in a moment,” Merlin adds when Arthur tries to remove the oxygen mask. Merlin takes Arthur’s left hand. In the right, Arthur has the oximeter the doctor placed to monitor his oxygen levels. Before meeting Arthur, Merlin would never have thought he had a thing for hands. But now, this is probably Merlin’s favourite thing in the world: holding Arthur lovely hands in his. Arthur nods, and Merlin thinks that he must be on sedatives; otherwise, he would not be so calm. Arthur is usually the worst patient on Earth. “Everyone made it. There are no casualties.” Merlin can see Arthur smiles at hearing that, the corner of his eyes crinkling. “The doctor says there’s no infection,” Merlin continues, “so all is good news.” Merlin never has problems filling the silences. He can talk about everything in any situation. But in moments like this, Merlin struggles not to break down. Even when Merlin can see Arthur is fine and he will recover in a few days. After all, it is not the first time Arthur gets hurt or suffers smoke inhalation, as it is today. It is a common risk of being a firefighter. “The doctor says they’ll discharge you in a couple of days. So you’ll not be getting out of our camping trip,” Merlin says, and he forces himself to smile. Arthur rolls his eyes, and now Merlin’s laugh is genuine. Arthur starts blinking, and soon he is asleep. Merlin feels a bit of the tension fading away and realizes this is his favourite thing in the world: having Arthur safe and sound. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Caring Merlin (Merlin), Hospitals, Whumptober 2020 Series: Part 3 of Whumptober 2020 Collections: Whumptober 2020
Published: 2020-10-13
Words: 295
Do I Look Fat?
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Arthur asks merlin if he looks fat. Merlin's answer annoys him to a great extent and he definitely doesn't like Merlin teasing him later. Notes I got this idea from the show itself (The episode where Merlin calls Arthur fat, a number of times and Arthur gets so mad about it). Of course I added my own creativity to it. I also took one particular line from the show (changing it a little bit) because it fit perfectly here. I hope you all enjoy it! “Do I look fat?” Arthur asked looking at himself. Merlin had just helped him get dressed and was busy picking up his other clothes which needed washing. Merlin looked at him squinting a little, carefully studying his physique. Arthur looked up within a second, frowning at the lack of reply. When he caught Merlin looking at him as if considering what to say he got a little furious. “Merlin!” “Nooo!” “You think I’m fat, don’t you?” Arthur gasped. “I just said no.” Merlin raised his eyebrows. “Merlin?” His voice had dropped a few octaves, he sounded authoritative. Merlin had put down his laundry basket at the bottom of the bed, picking up the socks that lay there. He stood up and gave a sheepish grin. “You should probably lay-off sweets and meat for a while.” Before Merlin knew, Arthur jumped at him, both of them falling on the bed and Merlin was pinned below Arthur. “Whoa! I was just being honest, sire.” “I’m not fat!” “The truth may be bitter, but it is the truth.” “Oh you like the truth so much? I will give you some truth.” With that Arthur pressed his lips against his, claiming his mouth. He pushed Merlin’s hands above his head and pinned them down with his own, as he kissed him hungrily, tongues licking and sucking against each other. He nipped at his bottom lip, swallowing the little moan that escaped Merlin’s mouth. Without stopping the kiss, he moved one of his hands down, the other keeping Merlin’s hands in place, and pushed it under Merlin’s shirt slowly, fingers grazing against soft skin. Soon his fingers were circling one of the nipples and he gave it a soft pinch. Merlin moaned into his mouth, which made him deepen the devouring kiss. He pulled away after a few seconds breathless. Merlin was breathing hard too, but his face quickly broke into a grin. “I do appreciate your honesty.” Merlin said with his cocky grin. “You would have appreciated a lot more, if you hadn’t called me fat!” Arthur got off Merlin and the bed, standing up straightening his clothes. Merlin was quick to get up too, the grin still on his face. “I think what I would really appreciate is if you lost a few pounds. You almost crushed my bones there.” He said lightly massaging his shoulder. Arthur glared at him and was about to pounce on him again, when Merlin ran away and out of the room. _ They were on the training grounds with the knights. Their training session was over for the day and they were having a friendly conversation before they left for their duties. Merlin had joined them too, as he always did. “Hey Merlin! Your bottom lip looks a little red and swollen.” Leon pointed out. Soon everyone noticed and looked at him questioningly. Everyone except Arthur, who seemed to have some new found interest in his helmet. Merlin glanced at him once before answering. “Oh it is the doing of a big fat bug.” Arthur’s eyes shot up at him, glaring again. “Well, it could have been poisonous or something. You should probably get it checked by Gaius.” Lancelot suggested. “Lancelot is right. Looking at the swelling and redness, it’s best to consult Gaius.” Leon said nodding his head. “Oh no! Don’t worry about it. It has bitten me before.” Merlin waved his hand. The knights looked confused and uncertain. “You should get your room fumigated then.” Leon said. “That’s the problem. It goes everywhere except my room.” He said animatedly. The knights looked at each other with even more confusion, not knowing what to say next. “Seems like this bug fancies you.” Gwaine said finally, raising an eyebrow grinning. “Maybe but it’s a little cranky at times.” Merlin looked at Arthur mischievously. “Just this morning, I called it fat and it bit me.” The other knights laughed, but Arthur did not look pleased. “You should kill it. It’s probably getting fat by sucking your blood.” “I think my blood is the last thing it would want to suck.” Merlin put a little emphasis on the last word. Before any of the knights could say anything further, he heard a very distinct voice. “Enough with the chit-chat. We should all get to work.” Arthur ordered and turned around walking away. _ Merlin walked to Arthur’s room with his dinner. They hadn’t talked or even been alone together after the training session. Arthur had been in a foul mood for most part of the day and he had either glared at him or completely avoided his gaze. Merlin expected to envision his anger again, but it wasn’t anything he was afraid of, he knew how to calm him down. Merlin opened the door and walked in to see Arthur sitting at his table, going through some papers. He looked sad, almost pouting. When he saw merlin, he frowned a little and went back to looking at the paper in his hand. Merlin set down the dinner at the dining table. “I don’t want to eat.” Arthur said without looking up. “You don’t want to eat? Since when do you not want to eat?” Arthur didn’t say anything as he continued looking at the paper. “What happened? You look upset.” Merlin was a little concerned now. He moved towards Arthur and set his hands on the table looking at him. Arthur pursed his lips. “Nothing.” Merlin peered at the paper he was looking so intently at. He sighed. “Really? Then why are you holding that upside down?” Arthur’s eyes darted between him and the paper. He turned it around, clearing his throat. “What is the matter, Arthur?” Merlin had genuine concern in his voice. “What’s the matter? You called me fat!” Arthur pouted. Merlin narrowed his eyebrows and then let out a laugh. “That’s why you are so upset?” Arthur put the paper down and crossed his arms across his chest, still pouting. “It’s not funny.” “Oh dear Lord!” Merlin got around the table and leaned against the it standing right next to him. “I was just joking.” He took one of his arm and held his hand rubbing his thumb against the back of his fingers. “Look at yourself, your arms, your legs, your back, your chest, you are all muscle.” “So, you don’t think I’m fat?” Arthur asked eyes darting up to meet his. “No, my lord.” Arthur frowned at him. Merlin realized his mistake quickly. He brought Arthur’s hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the knuckles, before correcting himself. “No, my love.” Arthur smiled and got up, moving closer to him till their bodies were aligned against each other. This time Merlin placed his lips on his, arms snaking around his neck, pulling his face closer. Arthur wrapped his arms around his waist, melting into the kiss. What started as a tender loving kiss, soon turned into a more passionate, desperate one. Clothes were being pushed up, hands meeting skin, fingers tracing muscles, soft moans escaping both their mouths. Arthur’s fingers slipped inside Merlin’s trousers and Merlin pulled back. “What about dinner?” He asked gasping for breath. Arthur smiled mischievously and whispered. “I will have you for dinner.” Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin is a Little Shit, Teasing, Flirting, Innuendo, True Love, Dorks in Love, Kissing, Boys Kissing, Rough Kissing, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Pouting, Angry Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Knights (Merlin), Touching, Developing Relationship, Secret Relationship, One Shot, Implied Sexual Content
Published: 2020-10-19
Words: 1206